The review and synthesis of the sociological literature on mobility in the United States relies essentially on studies described in professional sociology journals and books written by sociologists. There are three types of sociological stratification: caste, estate, and class. In a class stratified society, the influential factors are education, occupation, and income. Studies generally investigate inter-generational mobility or intra-generational mobility to resolve the conflict of the relationship between occupational mobility and vertical mobility. The factors motivating occupational mobility are based on the values of society. In America, a Protestant work ethic and a pragmatic work ethic were closely interrelated. Many other values are influential in a more limited way. There is also controversy over the amount of mobility, but it is generally agreed socio-cultural considerations are involved as well as labor-union and government programs. The consequences of occupational mobility can be either positive or negative and are not restricted by the direction of the movement. The same factors influencing occupational mobility influence vocational education but not necessary in the same manner or to the same degree. (A nineteen-page bibliography is included.) (AG)