What was a key feature of the social structure established by the Casta system?

The Casta system, developed in colonial Latin America, was a complex social hierarchy that classified individuals based on their racial and ethnic backgrounds. This system was particularly significant during the Spanish colonization as it sought to organize society according to race, which influenced individuals' social mobility, legal rights, and economic opportunities.

Individuals were categorized into distinct groups, such as those of pure Spanish descent, indigenous people, and mixed-race individuals (called mestizos, mulattos, etc.), reflecting the blend of various racial and cultural backgrounds. This classification impacted every aspect of life, including marriage, occupation, and social status, reinforcing a stratified society based on ancestry rather than economic wealth or education.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of the Casta system. Financial status played a role in social dynamics but was not the primary basis of the Casta structure. The system did include individuals of mixed heritage, rather, it was specifically designed to categorize them within society alongside full blooded indigenous and Spanish individuals. Lastly, while education levels were important in some respects, they were not the foundational aspect of the Casta system, which centered primarily on racial identity.