In a meritocratic society, which factor is least likely to influence an individual's socioeconomic mobility?

In a meritocratic society, individuals are expected to move up the social ladder based on their skills, talents, and hard work rather than their background or personal connections. The factor least likely to influence socioeconomic mobility is a person's family wealth or connections, as meritocracy emphasizes achievements over inherited advantages. For example, if a student from a low-income family excels in school and earns a scholarship to a prestigious university, their success is based on their abilities rather than their family's financial status. This means that even if someone comes from a wealthy family, they still need to prove themselves through their efforts to succeed in a truly meritocratic system. Ultimately, a meritocracy aims to create equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of their starting point in life.