Study Reveals Cross-Class Friendships Boost Upward Mobility for Low-Income Children

Children from low-income families in economically connected areas earn significantly more as adults, with cross-class friendships also linked to greater happiness and trust.

• Children from low-income families in areas with higher economic connectedness earn an average of £5,100 more annually as adults.
• Cross-class friendships, often formed in schools, neighborhoods, and recreational groups, are the second strongest predictor of social mobility after income.
• Regions with higher economic connectedness, such as South East England, foster more cross-class friendships, while areas like South Wales and Northern Ireland lag behind.
• Cross-class friendships are associated with increased happiness and trust, with individuals reporting higher well-being when they have more affluent friends.
• Researchers advocate for policies like inclusive schools and mixed housing to promote economic connectedness and improve social and economic outcomes.

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