What is a primary underlying cause of persistent class inequality in a meritocratic society?

A primary underlying cause of persistent class inequality in a meritocratic society is the unequal access to resources and opportunities. In such societies, people are often judged based on their abilities and hard work, but not everyone starts from the same place. For example, a child from a wealthy family might have access to better schools, tutors, and extracurricular activities, giving them an advantage over a child from a low-income background who may struggle to find similar support. This difference in opportunities can lead to a cycle where the rich get richer and the poor face barriers that make it hard to move up. As a result, even in a system that claims to reward merit, social class can still play a significant role in determining success.