How does the concept of meritocracy often misrepresent the reality of class mobility?

Meritocracy is the idea that people succeed based on their skills and hard work, suggesting that anyone can achieve their dreams if they try hard enough. However, this concept often overlooks the fact that many people face barriers due to their social class, such as lack of access to quality education or resources. For example, a talented student from a wealthy family may have private tutoring and extracurricular opportunities, while a similarly talented student from a low-income background may not have those same advantages. This means that even if both students work hard, the first student is more likely to succeed simply because of their background. Thus, the idea of meritocracy can create a false impression that everyone has an equal chance to succeed, when in reality, many are held back by their circumstances.