Which factor is typically associated with a class system?

A class system is characterized primarily by social mobility, which refers to the ability of individuals or groups to move between different social strata in society. This system allows for varying degrees of upward or downward movement based on factors such as education, economic opportunity, and individual achievement. Unlike caste systems, where status is fixed and determined by birth, class systems are more fluid, enabling people to change their social position.

In a class system, individuals can potentially improve or decrease their socio-economic status through personal efforts, such as acquiring education or skills, entering the job market, or inheriting wealth. This mobility is a defining feature of class systems and distinctly differentiates it from other social systems that may impose strict limitations on movement.

Other factors, such as social inequality and inherited status, exist within class systems but are not defining characteristics that emphasize adaptability and movement. Social inequality refers to the disparities in wealth, power, and opportunities; while inherited status highlights how one's social position can be influenced by family background. However, the presence of social mobility is what truly defines a class system, emphasizing the dynamic nature of societal positioning.