Final answer:
The primary distinction between a caste system and a class system is the use of ascribed statuses and the perpetuation of inequality.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary distinction between a caste system and a class system is that under a caste system, ascribed statuses are the major criteria used to rank individuals, and remain fixed throughout a lifetime. In a caste system, a very high level of inequality exists as individuals are classified into separate social groups or castes based on their birth.
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