Social Upward Mobility and the Secret of a Nation's Success

 Social Upward Mobility and the Secret of a Nation's Success

By Professor Waqar Hussain

In today's world, there are two fundamental dimensions of social progress and individual success: one is a society where social upward mobility exists, and the other is where this concept is still non-existent.

For instance, America is considered a society where if an individual possesses potential, hard work, and skills, the society provides them with its full support. This translates to the attitude: "Go ahead kid, we are all right behind you." In such an environment, the doors of progress are open for the individual, and society encourages them. This system is called social upward mobility, which is the primary catalyst for a nation's progress.

Conversely, in some societies, this concept is completely the opposite. Here, an individual's abilities and hard work are under no circumstances allowed to propel them forward. Instead, no matter how hard an individual works in such societies, every possible effort is made to halt their progress. If someone has talent, they are pulled down.

Pakistani society is an example in this regard, where the trend of pulling people down is very common. As a teacher, I have seen that there is immense talent among the youth here, but unfortunately, they are often discouraged. As a civil servant, I have witnessed honest and capable officers frequently being deprived of their rights and pushed backward. Our psychology of pulling others down is a "besetting sin" that acts as the biggest hurdle in the nation's progress.

A joke and its underlying message give an accurate idea of this social psychology: A man went to hell and saw that people were being punished according to their nationalities. Germans, French, Americans, and Pakistanis were being punished in burning ovens. There were two guards at the mouth of each oven so that if anyone tried to climb out, they would be thrown back in. When the man was told that Pakistanis were being punished in a particular oven, he asked in astonishment, "Where are the guards here?" He was told that there was no need for guards there, because whenever a Pakistani tries to climb out, the others pull their legs down.

This joke is not just a jest, but a reflection of a social reality. The tendency to pull each other down is so severe in our society that the paths to progress become completely blocked. This attitude is a deadly poison for the nation's development because it restricts individuals and holds the nation back.

The importance and necessity of social upward mobility cannot be ignored. If we are to achieve respect and status on a global level, we must change our social attitudes. We have to learn that the secret to progress and success lies in social upward mobility. Only those nations move forward that give their individuals the opportunity to advance. For example, countries like China, South Korea, Singapore, and America have adopted this principle.

But unfortunately, this concept does not generally exist in Pakistan; rather, the trend of "social downward mobility" is common here. This attitude not only limits an individual's capabilities but also shatters the dream of national progress. In our society, whether it is the educational field, government jobs, or other sectors, the same attitude of pulling down successful individuals prevails.

If we want to become a respected and sovereign nation, we must change our psychology. We must learn that the real secret of progress is social upward mobility, so that every individual can move forward according to their abilities. Only in this way can we move towards a bright, prosperous, and developed Pakistan, otherwise this psychology will always keep us backward, and our dreams will remain just dreams. We will continue traveling in circles, as hinted at by Munir Niazi:

[منیرؔ اس ملک پر آسیب کا سایہ ہے یا کیا ہے کہ حرکت تیز تر ہے اور سفر آہستہ آہستہ]

Meaning: Munir, is there a shadow of a "curse" upon this country or what? That the movement is incredibly fast, yet the journey is painfully slow.