Moving between the fields. On the role of family in the experiences of intergenerational upward mobility

Abstract

Drawing on 1987) conceptual toolkit of capital, fields, and habitus, this paper examines intergenerational upward mobility experiences in Poland focusing on the family's role. Specifically, this study uses grounded theory methodology (Glaser & Strauss, 1967;Charmaz, 2006) and biographical method (Schütze, 2012) to investigate the life stories of individuals in their thirties and forties who have experienced upward mobility and entered one of three prestigious professional fields: academic, artistic, or business. The analysis of 30 biographical-narrative interviews reveals four main scenarios of parental involvement in upward mobility processes: (a) general encouragement, (b) ambition-driven guidance, (c) multifaceted withdrawal, and (d) hesitant observation. To illustrate the complexity of these scenarios, each one is accompanied by a biographical case study highlighting the interplay between various public and private factors that shape upward mobility paths. These cases also demonstrate the role of family capital and their potential (mis)match with recognised capital in specific professional fields.