Maria is discussing her family's history with her friend. She mentions that her grandparents were born into a specific social group that determined their jobs and social status for life, regardless of their personal achievements. Her friend argues that this is similar to how people in their country can move up the social ladder based on their education and career success. What concept is Maria's experience primarily illustrating?

Maria's experience primarily illustrates the concept of a caste system, where social status is determined by birth and remains fixed throughout a person's life. In a caste system, individuals are born into specific social groups that dictate their roles, jobs, and social standing, regardless of their abilities or accomplishments. For example, if Maria's grandparents were born into a low-caste group, they would likely face limitations in their career options and social interactions, which would not change over time. In contrast, her friend's mention of moving up the social ladder based on education and career success reflects a class system, where social mobility is possible and individuals can improve their status through hard work and achievement. This difference highlights how caste systems restrict personal growth, while class systems allow for greater flexibility and opportunity.