Final answer:
The equation describes the operation of social stratification in a class system, where elite classes maintain their status through owning means of production and marrying within their class to preserve wealth and power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The equation 'Elite social classes + means of production + class endogamy =' refers to how social stratification operates within a class system. Elite social classes possess the means of production, which allows them to maintain and increase their wealth and power. When these elites engage exclusively in class endogamous marriages, they ensure that this wealth and status are preserved within their own social group, thereby solidifying their position at the top of the social hierarchy. This practice also contributes to the continuity and reinforcement of the class structure, often limiting social mobility.