Level in a social hierarchy

CASTE

"Hint: "In some societies, this hereditary social class determines one's status and opportunities." This hint provides context about the nature of the answer without directly stating it, guiding the solver toward the idea of a fixed social division."

The clue "Level in a social hierarchy" leads to the answer "CASTE" through a straightforward definition. A caste refers to a distinct social class or hereditary group within a society, often associated with rigid hierarchies, particularly in historical or cultural contexts like the Indian caste system.