Concept: This is a sentence rearrangement question requiring logical order for a coherent statement about capitalism.
Explanation: First, identify the opening segment. S introduces "capitalism, for instance, is sometimes treated not merely as an economic system".
Q follows logically with "but also as an ideology in its own right, specifically one that".
P then lists the first characteristic: "defends private property, emphasizes the virtues of competition".
R adds the final detail: "and suggests that general prosperity will result from the pursuit of self-interest".
The correct sequence is S, Q, P, R.
Answer: SQPR (Option C).