What aspect of research is associated with the term 'social class predetermination'?

The term 'social class predetermination' refers to the idea that an individual’s social class can significantly influence their life chances, opportunities, and trajectories, often from an early age. In the context of longitudinal studies, researchers track the same individuals over time, which allows them to observe how social class affects various aspects of life, including education, employment, and social mobility. This method provides a comprehensive view of how social class can shape life paths, as it captures changes and continuities that might unfold over the years, illuminating the ways in which social class structures influence individuals' experiences.

Longitudinal studies are particularly well-suited for investigating this concept because they can effectively illustrate trends and patterns across different stages of life, providing evidence of how social class can predetermine outcomes related to education and professional opportunities. This contrasts with other research types that may not capture these long-term influences as thoroughly, such as correlational studies that might only provide a snapshot of relationships between social class and educational attainment at a specific point in time, or case studies that typically focus on singular instances rather than broader, systemic factors like social class.