Why does Maureen have a privilege status in the school community? How do colorism and classism cause this status?

Maureen is light-skinned and wealthy. The girls both admire her and are jealous of her. The girls admire her light skin and social status, and they are jealous of both. Sadly, Maureen uses what they admire against them, she even taunts Picola with her blackness and her ugliness. The girls are used to the superiority displayed by the white girls, but they do not expect it from the wealthy black girl.