Bettina was raised in a home where she and her brother were treated as equals by their parents-and their parents treated each other as equals. in fact, bettina's mother had a more prestigious job and earned more money than her father, contrary to what society might expect. and this did not ruffle her father's feathers. bettina never thought about any differences in what a boy or girl can or cannot do until she hit school age. and in school-gradually-she realized that in general the united states follows the tradition of a) a caste system. b) ascribed status. c) matriarchy. d) patriarchy

d) Patriarchy

Explanation:

A caste system is based on the division of society into different social classes, in a hierarchichal way.

Ascribed status refers to the status who is beyond the individual's control.  It's based on age, birth, race, etc.

Matriarchy is a social system where women have the main power and control and have predominance in more social roles.

On the opposite hand, patriarchy is the social system where men are the ones holding control and who have predominance in the social roles.

According to the question, Bettina's mother had a more prestigious job and earned more money than her father which didn't bother any of them. However, it is mentioned that this situation is contrary to what society might expect and that is because, in general, the United States follows the tradition of patriarchy, where men are the ones holding control and have a predominant role in work, family, etc.