Final answer:
Slavery and caste systems are closed systems without social mobility, while estate systems allow little mobility among classes. Class systems are open and based on personal achievement, contrasting with meritocracy, which is an ideal, equitable system rewarding personal ability and effort.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comparison of Social Stratification Systems
Social stratification systems organize societies by dividing them into hierarchies based on various factors such as economic status, race, education, and power. Slavery, including bonded labor, is a closed system where individuals are coerced into work without the freedom to leave or change status. In contrast, caste systems are also closed, but they are social stratification systems that position individuals based on ascribed statuses from birth, preventing movement between levels.
Estate systems are feudal societies where social mobility is limited, yet they offer more opportunity as compared to caste systems as determined by the controlling noble class. Class systems, prevalent in many modern societies, are open systems based on socioeconomic factors allowing upward mobility through personal achievement. While class systems offer the possibility of changing one's social position, they are influenced by background factors such as family wealth and access to education.
A meritocracy is considered an ideal system of stratification as it is predicated on personal ability and effort rather than predetermined characteristics. Individuals are rewarded based on their contributions and competencies, theoretically creating a more equitable society. Although complete meritocracy is difficult to achieve, it aims to eliminate the disparities inherent in systems like caste or slavery.