Which of the following best describes how privilege can act as a barrier to social mobility in a meritocratic society?

Privilege can act as a barrier to social mobility in a meritocratic society by creating unequal starting points for individuals. In a meritocracy, success is supposed to come from hard work and talent, but those with privilege often have access to better education, resources, and networks that others do not. For example, a student from a wealthy family might attend a top school with excellent teachers and extracurricular activities, while a student from a poorer background may not have the same opportunities. This difference in access means that even if both students work hard, the privileged student may have an easier path to success. As a result, privilege can distort the idea of meritocracy, making it harder for those without privilege to climb the social ladder.