Which of the following is a feature of the class system?

The correct answer is based on the characteristic of the class system that allows for social mobility. In a class system, individuals have the potential to move up or down the social ladder based on their achievements, skills, education, and effort rather than being strictly tied to the status assigned at birth. This differentiates class systems from caste systems, where mobility is heavily restricted and roles are typically predetermined.

In a class society, factors such as educational attainment, career accomplishments, and economic success can enable individuals to change their social standing. This fluidity reflects the meritocratic aspects of many modern societies, where personal effort and opportunity can lead to different social outcomes.

The other options reflect characteristics more aligned with rigid social stratifications or caste-like systems. For example, a fixed position determined solely by birth or wealth does not capture the essence of social mobility inherent in class systems. Rather, it highlights the absence of mobility, which is a key distinction that confirms why the focus on individual achievement is paramount in understanding class dynamics.