For generations, the promise of education as the great equalizer has shaped our understanding of social mobility. The narrative suggests that those who work hard, earn degrees, and acquire skills will naturally rise to the top. Yet, despite equal educational attainment, individuals from elite backgrounds consistently experience greater social and economic mobility than their peers from less privileged backgrounds. The gap lies not in education, but in social capital—the networks of connections, influence, and opportunities that shape access to upward mobility.

1. The Limits of Education Without Social Capital

While education provides essential knowledge and skills, it cannot function in isolation as a tool for mobility. Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of capital—economic, cultural, and social—reveals that education alone (cultural capital) does not guarantee success. The missing link is social capital: the relationships, networks, and connections that provide access to opportunities.

Mark Granovetter’s theory of the “Strength of Weak Ties” demonstrates that it is not our closest friends or family who are most likely to offer new opportunities, but rather our broader, more distant acquaintances. These weak ties serve as bridges to different social circles, exposing us to job offers, mentorship, and opportunities we wouldn’t encounter within our immediate networks. Individuals from elite schools or privileged families often have more diverse and far-reaching networks, giving them access to weak ties in influential circles, something those from less connected backgrounds lack.

2. Institutional Signaling and Gatekeeping

Lauren Rivera’s study in “Pedigree: How Elite Students Get Elite Jobs” further underscores the influence of institutional signaling—the social cues and prestige associated with attending elite universities. In hiring processes, companies often favor candidates from prestigious institutions not solely for their skills, but because these institutions act as social gatekeepers. They signal a level of competence, cultural fluency, and social status that goes beyond education. Graduates from these schools are already part of powerful networks, often with alumni who hold influential positions. Their education becomes a symbol of access, opening doors to jobs and social circles that those from less prestigious backgrounds struggle to enter, regardless of skill.

3. The Role of Structural Holes and Network Advantage

In Ronald Burt’s work on structural holes, he explains that individuals who act as brokers—those who bridge gaps between disconnected groups—have a distinct advantage. These individuals control the flow of information and opportunities between otherwise isolated networks. People from privileged backgrounds, especially those attending prestigious institutions, are more likely to occupy these bridging positions. They not only have access to diverse networks but can also broker relationships, gaining social capital and influence that allows them to create value and move upward.

In contrast, individuals from less connected backgrounds often remain within homogenous, tightly-knit networks that provide emotional support but lack access to external opportunities. Without the ability to bridge these structural holes, their mobility is constrained by the limits of their social circles.

4. Social Capital as a Determinant of Economic Mobility

Raj Chetty’s groundbreaking research on social mobility highlights that neighborhood effects and community networks play a critical role in determining economic outcomes. Children raised in affluent neighborhoods are not just advantaged by wealth, but by the exposure they receive to role models, mentors, and job networks. This access to social capital creates pathways to success that cannot be replicated by education alone.

Chetty’s work reveals that even with the same educational qualifications, individuals from poorer communities lack the network effects that propel their wealthier peers forward. This highlights the geographic and social isolation that limits the upward mobility of marginalized groups, emphasizing that “who you know” is as important as what you know.

5. The Unseen Value of Social Fluency and Cultural Capital

Social mobility is not just about connections; it’s also about the ability to navigate elite spaces. David Brooks explains in his work on the “Bohemian Bourgeoisie” that those who rise to the top in American society are not just educated but are also adept at navigating the cultural cues and behaviors of elite environments. Graduates of prestigious schools not only have access to influential networks but also possess the social fluency required to succeed in high-status settings. This type of cultural capital, often passed down through family and community, gives privileged individuals an additional advantage over their peers who may lack the social knowledge and confidence to move easily in elite circles.

6. The Limits of Cognitive Capacity in Networking: Dunbar’s Number

Finally, Robin Dunbar’s research on the cognitive limits of social networks suggests that humans can only maintain around 150 meaningful relationships. Within this constraint, individuals from more privileged backgrounds often have a higher percentage of influential connections, leading to more opportunities. In contrast, those from less privileged backgrounds may use their cognitive capacity to maintain relationships within their immediate community, leaving less room for the strategic weak ties that drive upward mobility.

Conclusion: Why “Who You Know” Matters More Than We Think

The combined insights from Granovetter, Bourdieu, Rivera, Burt, Chetty, and others paint a clear picture: education and skills alone are not enough to guarantee social mobility. Networks, connections, and social capital are the real engines of upward movement in society. Those who can access diverse, influential networks and bridge social gaps are the ones who rise, regardless of their educational background.

The inequality in social mobility stems not from differences in ability or education, but from differences in access to the right social networks. Addressing this gap requires us to look beyond the classroom and into the power structures of our social networks, recognizing that “who you know” is just as critical to success as what you know.