With the advancement of new technologies such as digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI), issues like population decline and social inequality have become more pronounced. These societal challenges may be linked to a decline in social mobility. Accordingly, PISA data (2006–2022) was used to measure upward and downward social mobility in major countries, including Korea, the United States, Japan, and Finland.
The analysis revealed that upward mobility has deteriorated in Korea, Japan, and Finland in 2022 compared to 2006, indicating a decline in educational equity for individuals in the bottom 25% income bracket. In terms of downward mobility, represented by the glass floor index, the United States and Finland saw an increase in downward mobility between 2006 and 2022, while Korea and Japan experienced a decline in downward mobility, suggesting that social mobility has become more rigid in these countries.
Continuous analysis of PISA data at each reporting period is necessary to monitor and evaluate whether educational equity and social mobility are being compromised.