What types of mobility are known? When we hear the word “mobility”, the image of movement immediately comes to mind: walking, cycling, driving, taking a train or plane. But in reality, mobility is much broader. It is not only the ability to move through space, but also the opportunity to change social status, profession, place of residence, even to transition from one digital space to another. In this article, we will discuss the main types of mobility — from everyday transport to social elevators. Transport (physical) mobility This is what we usually mean by mobility. The ability of a person or cargo to move from point A to point B using various means. Transport mobility is divided into individual (walking, cycling, skateboarding, car) and public (bus, tram, metro, train, plane, ferry). With the development of technology, new forms have appeared: car-sharing, bike-sharing (scooter rental), ride-sharing (carpooling), as well as flying taxis (eVTOL) and even hyperloop (vacuum trains). The key indicator of transport mobility is accessibility: can a person get to work, a hospital, school in a reasonable time. Social mobility Social mobility is the ability of a person or group to change their position in society. It can be vertical (transition to a higher or lower social level) and horizontal (change of profession, place of residence without changing status). Classic examples of vertical mobility: a worker became an engineer (ascending), a businessman went bankrupt (descending). Factors conducive to social mobility: education, connections, talent, as well as social elevators (military, marriage, political career). In today's world, the IT sector and entrepreneurship are powerful drivers of upward mobility. However, in societies with rigid stratification (caste system), mobility is difficult. Professional and career mobility This is a type of social mobility, but more narrow. Professional mobility is the ability to change professions, improve qualifications, ... Read more