In a meritocratic society, how does socioeconomic status influence access to resources for individuals from different backgrounds?

In a meritocratic society, people are supposed to succeed based on their abilities and efforts, but socioeconomic status can greatly affect this idea. Those from wealthier backgrounds often have better access to resources like quality education, healthcare, and networking opportunities, which can help them achieve their goals. For example, a student from a rich family can attend a private school with advanced courses and personalized tutoring, while a student from a low-income family might go to an underfunded school with fewer opportunities. As a result, the student with more resources may have a better chance of getting into a good college and securing a good job, making it harder for those with fewer resources to compete equally. This shows that even in a system that values merit, background can still create significant barriers to success.