downward mobility

noun
1.
See under vertical mobility (def 1).
Related forms
downwardly mobile, adjective, noun

vertical mobility

noun, Sociology
1.
movement from one social level to a higher one (upward mobility) or a lower one (downward mobility) as by changing jobs or marrying.
2.
cultural diffusion from one social level to another, as the adoption by one economic class of the fashions current or formerly current in a higher class.
Compare horizontal mobility.
British Dictionary definitions for downward mobility

downward mobility

noun
1.
(sociol) the movement of an individual, social group, or class to a lower status Compare upward mobility See also horizontal mobility, vertical mobility

vertical mobility

noun
1.
(sociol) the movement of individuals or groups to positions in society that involve a change in class, status, and power Compare horizontal mobility See also upward mobility, downward mobility