Final answer:
The VALS system is a socioeconomic classification based on lifestyle and it stands for Values, Attitudes, and Lifestyles. Social stratification systems can be closed or open, with class systems allowing for social mobility based on individual achievements. Meritocracies ideally reward effort and ability, though a true meritocracy has never been fully realized.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to socioeconomic systems used for classifying individuals based on lifestyle choices. The correct answer to the question is a) VALS, which stands for Values, Attitudes, and Lifestyles. This system is designed to anticipate consumer behavior and make a distinction between individuals.
Social stratification is a concept where society ranks individuals in a hierarchy based on factors such as wealth, power, and prestige. Stratification systems are either closed, like caste systems, which limit movement between social positions, or open, like class systems, which allow for social mobility based on individual achievement. A meritocracy is an idealized system that rewards individuals based on their abilities and efforts, although a pure meritocracy does not exist in reality.
Class systems are characterized by the ability of individuals to change their social standing, with wealth, income, education, and occupation being key determinants. People can move vertically within the society and interact with members of other classes, which fosters social mobility.