Which of the following statements correctly reflect the complexities of class inequality and mobility in a meritocratic system? Select all that apply.

In a meritocratic system, people are rewarded based on their abilities and efforts, but this can be more complicated than it seems. Class inequality often means that not everyone has the same starting point; some people have more resources, like money for education or connections to job opportunities, which can help them succeed. For example, a student from a wealthy family might afford tutoring and extracurricular activities, giving them an advantage over a student from a poorer background who cannot access those same resources. Therefore, while meritocracy suggests that hard work leads to success, systemic barriers can make it harder for some individuals to move up the social ladder. This shows that while meritocracy is an ideal, real-life factors often complicate how class inequality and mobility play out.