How does socio-economic status influence an individual's chances of achieving socioeconomic mobility in a meritocratic society?

Socio-economic status refers to a person's social and economic position in society, which can greatly influence their chances of moving up the social ladder in a meritocratic society, where success is supposedly based on individual talent and effort. Individuals from higher socio-economic backgrounds often have access to better education, networking opportunities, and resources that can help them succeed. For example, a student from a wealthy family may attend a prestigious school with advanced classes and connections to influential people, making it easier for them to get into a good college and secure a well-paying job. In contrast, someone from a lower socio-economic background may face challenges like underfunded schools and limited access to extracurricular activities, which can hinder their opportunities for advancement. Therefore, while a meritocratic system promotes the idea that hard work leads to success, socio-economic status can create barriers that make it harder for some individuals to achieve upward mobility.