DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2016.v04i11.005

Pages: 1388-1398

This was an attempt to analyse social mobility complications, in multi-ethnic societies. Key issues around the discourse were social mobility, education, stratification and obstacles to opening up multi ethnic societies. The author highlighted common social systems in societies: slave, serf, caste, class/open and classless societies. The pros and cons of closed and open societies were also touched. The author concurs that the best way to build a nation is by opening up the society; for all to compete and put in their best. Obstacles to opening up societies were identified, as: politics, family, economic position, world-system, urbanization, education and prejudices among others. These were reflected on, along how they play out in a multi-ethnic country like Nigeria. The author posits that intents at exclusion, representation for ethnic and religious groups (ascribed positions) weigh heavily against drives for ability and qualification; to the detriment of achieved status. Suggestions were made that for multi-ethnic nations to actualize the attainment of human potentials of their citizens, enjoy peaceful cohabitation and sustain nation building aspirations; they need to foster policies that ensure openness, equality and meritocracy, by using education/ability to attain social status.