How does social stratification influence life chances beyond individual effort?

Social stratification is the way society is organized into different layers or classes, like rich, middle class, and poor. This organization affects people's life chances, which is how likely they are to succeed in life, like getting a good job or having good health. For example, someone born into a wealthy family may have access to better education and healthcare, giving them a head start compared to someone from a poorer background who might struggle to afford these things. This means that even if both individuals work hard, the person from the wealthier class often has more opportunities simply because of their social position. Therefore, social stratification shows that where you start in life can greatly influence your chances for success, regardless of your personal efforts.