Social Hierarchy
A society can be defined as groups of people who are mutually or non-mutually dependent on each to meet certain needs. Societies group together large numbers of people who each serve a specific role; this creates a social hierarchy. These people are divided up into different social classes, or a group of people who have various statuses (like economics, race, or ethnicity) in common.
People are organized into different social classes based on three main factors: wealth, power, and influence. Wealth refers to a person's economic status, or how much money they have or make. Power refers to the leadership roles someone may serve in their society, such as government positions or social leadership. Influence refers to how a person is able to convince others to see their point of view. The social class you are considered to be part of reflects these qualifications. .
In today's lesson, you will explore and define the social hierarchies that were used by different cultural regions throughout history. Some of these hierarchies began in ancient times, Before the Common Era (B.C.E), and are still being used in some region's most traditional areas.
Egyptian social pyramid: middle east
Ancient Egypt was a successful culture for over 3,000 years. Over the years, the Egyptians developed a system called a hierarchy, a class system where each person living in ancient Egypt knew where they existed in the system and the specific rights of that class.
1. Pharaoh
The pharaoh was considered to be like a god, so he was placed at the very top of the pyramid. This role carried a great amount of responsibility, as Pharaoh was in charge of the armies and the carrying out of the laws that were decided upon. All farmers paid taxes every year; instead of money, they paid in amounts of grain that was stored in warehouses that belonged to the pharaoh. In case of drought and famine, this was the grain that would be used to feed everyone.
The pharaoh was considered to be like a god, so he was placed at the very top of the pyramid. This role carried a great amount of responsibility, as Pharaoh was in charge of the armies and the carrying out of the laws that were decided upon. All farmers paid taxes every year; instead of money, they paid in amounts of grain that was stored in warehouses that belonged to the pharaoh. In case of drought and famine, this was the grain that would be used to feed everyone.
2. Royal Family, Nobles, Temple Priests, and Viziers
Under the pharaoh, there was a chain of command made up of members of the Royal Family to help the pharaoh accomplish all of his duties. There was a chief minister call a ‘vizier’ that watched over tax collection, and monitored the government records that were kept by the scribes. Along with the vizier were the various nobles that held government jobs and the priests of the temples. The nobles became wealthy as they kept a part of the tax normally given to the pharaoh as well as some of the tributes that were given by the people to the gods.
Under the pharaoh, there was a chain of command made up of members of the Royal Family to help the pharaoh accomplish all of his duties. There was a chief minister call a ‘vizier’ that watched over tax collection, and monitored the government records that were kept by the scribes. Along with the vizier were the various nobles that held government jobs and the priests of the temples. The nobles became wealthy as they kept a part of the tax normally given to the pharaoh as well as some of the tributes that were given by the people to the gods.
3. Soldiers
Soldiers fought in the armies during wartime but in peacetime many supervised the peasants, slaves and farmers and were also part of the building process of palaces, pyramids and other structures. The army only accepted men into these positions.
4. Scribes
Scribes were educated for many years to learn how to read, write, and do math. They were primarily in charge of keeping all records that were monitored by the viziers. Students who accepted into schools to become scribes and receive government jobs were all men.
5. Merchants & Artisans
The next level down contained the scribes, craftsmen, artisans, and traders. The craftsmen, artisans, traders and even physicians were considered the middle class of ancient Egypt. Storekeepers and merchants were also included in this class.
Soldiers fought in the armies during wartime but in peacetime many supervised the peasants, slaves and farmers and were also part of the building process of palaces, pyramids and other structures. The army only accepted men into these positions.
4. Scribes
Scribes were educated for many years to learn how to read, write, and do math. They were primarily in charge of keeping all records that were monitored by the viziers. Students who accepted into schools to become scribes and receive government jobs were all men.
5. Merchants & Artisans
The next level down contained the scribes, craftsmen, artisans, and traders. The craftsmen, artisans, traders and even physicians were considered the middle class of ancient Egypt. Storekeepers and merchants were also included in this class.
6. Farmers
Farmers took care of the fields and crops, cared for the animals, maintained the water canals and reservoirs, did stone quarry work and built monuments to the pharaoh. They paid high taxes to the pharaoh, sometimes as much as sixty percent of what they grew.
7. Slaves
Slaves were people that may have been war prisoners, criminals, or members of another race or religion. Slavery became a major part of the ancient Egyptian community and they were forced to do whatever labor that was needed by the nobles and the pharaoh
Farmers took care of the fields and crops, cared for the animals, maintained the water canals and reservoirs, did stone quarry work and built monuments to the pharaoh. They paid high taxes to the pharaoh, sometimes as much as sixty percent of what they grew.
7. Slaves
Slaves were people that may have been war prisoners, criminals, or members of another race or religion. Slavery became a major part of the ancient Egyptian community and they were forced to do whatever labor that was needed by the nobles and the pharaoh
Social Mobility Factors
Social Mobility- the movement of individuals, families, households or other categories of people into different social classes than the one they were born into.
In ancient Egypt, a son or daughter took on the social class or ‘hierarchy’ of their parents. There were small possibilities of moving into the next higher class. Some farmers and peasants saved money to send their children to the trade and village schools for better education and to learn a specific trade. Moving into the next upper class meant an increase in money that could be used to help themselves and their families.
Social Mobility- the movement of individuals, families, households or other categories of people into different social classes than the one they were born into.
In ancient Egypt, a son or daughter took on the social class or ‘hierarchy’ of their parents. There were small possibilities of moving into the next higher class. Some farmers and peasants saved money to send their children to the trade and village schools for better education and to learn a specific trade. Moving into the next upper class meant an increase in money that could be used to help themselves and their families.
Caste System: india
India's caste system is one of the oldest in history, dating back to at least 1000 years BCE. It is certainly one of the longest lasting, as there are still many societies that continue to use and support it. Many Indians believe that the caste system was a creation of the Hindu god Brahma, and each of the classes was created based on differing levels of his input.
1. Brahmins
Priests, intellectuals, and teachers were thought to come from Brahma's head, so they were named Brahmins. They were the most privileged of the castes, and were considered essential for the continuation of knowledge. However, because of their status, they often refused to interact with members of other castes. They were known to bathe if even the shadow of an untouchable fell across their own.
2. Kshatriyas
This caste was made up of government workers and soldiers, and were the monitors of people staying within their specific castes. They were also responsible for the administration of law and order, and the country's defense.
3. Vaishyas
Skilled workers, craftsmen, artists, and business owners were called Vaishyas. Due to the fact that traders were required to travel to sell goods, the spread and diffusion of Indian culture and ideals is credited to this class.
4. Sudras
Unskilled workers like maids and farm laborers were considered to be Sudras, a class that was written in Hindu text to be in continual service to the three upper classes.
5. Dalits (Untouchables)
The untouchables were the lowest classes of society and were not allowed to have any interaction with the upper classes. They were only allowed in the homes of the other castes in order to dispose of spoiled food or the emptying of chamber pots. They had to wear belts with bells on them in order to alert members of the other castes that they were in in the area.
Social Mobility Factors:
According to Hindu scripture, the only way a person could change their caste was through devotion, meditation, and prayer so that their caste could change after reincarnation, in the next life. Although Mahatma Ghandi worked to abolish the caste system in the 1950's, and it is illegal to discriminate against people of other castes for jobs and bank loans, there are still some parts of Indian society that observe the Caste system.
Priests, intellectuals, and teachers were thought to come from Brahma's head, so they were named Brahmins. They were the most privileged of the castes, and were considered essential for the continuation of knowledge. However, because of their status, they often refused to interact with members of other castes. They were known to bathe if even the shadow of an untouchable fell across their own.
2. Kshatriyas
This caste was made up of government workers and soldiers, and were the monitors of people staying within their specific castes. They were also responsible for the administration of law and order, and the country's defense.
3. Vaishyas
Skilled workers, craftsmen, artists, and business owners were called Vaishyas. Due to the fact that traders were required to travel to sell goods, the spread and diffusion of Indian culture and ideals is credited to this class.
4. Sudras
Unskilled workers like maids and farm laborers were considered to be Sudras, a class that was written in Hindu text to be in continual service to the three upper classes.
5. Dalits (Untouchables)
The untouchables were the lowest classes of society and were not allowed to have any interaction with the upper classes. They were only allowed in the homes of the other castes in order to dispose of spoiled food or the emptying of chamber pots. They had to wear belts with bells on them in order to alert members of the other castes that they were in in the area.
Social Mobility Factors:
According to Hindu scripture, the only way a person could change their caste was through devotion, meditation, and prayer so that their caste could change after reincarnation, in the next life. Although Mahatma Ghandi worked to abolish the caste system in the 1950's, and it is illegal to discriminate against people of other castes for jobs and bank loans, there are still some parts of Indian society that observe the Caste system.
Chinese Society
During the Han dynasty, Chinese social classes were clearly defined. The Han dynasty was an age of great economic, technological, cultural, and social progress in China. Society was governed by an emperor who shared power with an official bureaucracy and nobility. Laws, customs, literature, and education were largely guided by Confucianism, but the influence of Legalism and Daoism were still present.
1. Emperor
The emperor was considered to be semi-divine; one of his titles, derived from the belief that the imperial family received the right to rule through God, included "Son of Heaven".His subjects were not allowed to address him by name. The emperor had the ability to grant pardons, set punishments (including executions), write or repeal laws, and generally followed the advice of his governors.
The emperor was considered to be semi-divine; one of his titles, derived from the belief that the imperial family received the right to rule through God, included "Son of Heaven".His subjects were not allowed to address him by name. The emperor had the ability to grant pardons, set punishments (including executions), write or repeal laws, and generally followed the advice of his governors.
2. Governors
In the Han dynasty, civil service officials were classified by twenty ranks that determined the official's annual salary in terms of how many Dan, or Chinese bushels, extending from the ten-thousand-bushel at the top to the one-hundred-bushel at the bottom. Governors served many different functions in government, including ministry officials and provincial commanders, to maintain law and order in their respective branch of government.
In the Han dynasty, civil service officials were classified by twenty ranks that determined the official's annual salary in terms of how many Dan, or Chinese bushels, extending from the ten-thousand-bushel at the top to the one-hundred-bushel at the bottom. Governors served many different functions in government, including ministry officials and provincial commanders, to maintain law and order in their respective branch of government.
3. Nobles and Scholars
The emerging gentry class- mostly noble families and local elites- consisted of unemployed scholars, teachers, students, and government officials.These men viewed themselves as participants in wider national affairs of politics and academics.
The emerging gentry class- mostly noble families and local elites- consisted of unemployed scholars, teachers, students, and government officials.These men viewed themselves as participants in wider national affairs of politics and academics.
4. Peasant Farmers
Peasants were considered an important social class because the food they produced created a stable supply for the entire dynasty. Most of these farmers lived on the wealthy nobles' estates and worked the land in exchange for half of the crops produced, use of beasts of burden, and access to necessary tools.
Peasants were considered an important social class because the food they produced created a stable supply for the entire dynasty. Most of these farmers lived on the wealthy nobles' estates and worked the land in exchange for half of the crops produced, use of beasts of burden, and access to necessary tools.
5. Artisans & Merchants
The work of artisans was considered by Han Confucian scholars to be of secondary importance to that of farmers. Some artisans were able to obtain a valuable income and enjoyed a preferential legal status. Merchants engaged in a multitude of private trades and industries. Merchant often combined several trades to make greater profits, such as animal breeding, farming, manufacturing, trade, and money-lending.
The work of artisans was considered by Han Confucian scholars to be of secondary importance to that of farmers. Some artisans were able to obtain a valuable income and enjoyed a preferential legal status. Merchants engaged in a multitude of private trades and industries. Merchant often combined several trades to make greater profits, such as animal breeding, farming, manufacturing, trade, and money-lending.
6. Soldiers
Soldiers guarded the empire's frontiers from invaders.They also lived on the estates of wealthy landowners and government officials, who provided food in exchange for protection services. Soldiers also fought enemies and rebelling provinces on behalf of the emperor.
Soldiers guarded the empire's frontiers from invaders.They also lived on the estates of wealthy landowners and government officials, who provided food in exchange for protection services. Soldiers also fought enemies and rebelling provinces on behalf of the emperor.
7. Slaves
Slaves were the lowest ranking class of Chinese society, as they were usually made up of groups and tribes that were conquered by the Chinese armies. These people were almost separate from society, as they had no possible ways to change their social status.
Slaves were the lowest ranking class of Chinese society, as they were usually made up of groups and tribes that were conquered by the Chinese armies. These people were almost separate from society, as they had no possible ways to change their social status.
ROman Republic
One of the most influential civilizations to emerge from the ancient world was Rome. Early Rome had two main social classes- after rebels overthrew the king and turned Rome into a republic, these two social classes became the members of the Citizens Assembly of the Roman government.
1. Patricians
Patricians were the wealthy landowners who owned the bulk of the estates in Rome. After the formation of the Republic, the Patricians formed an assembly of elected individuals to form the Senate. Patricians enjoyed wider circles of influence and privileges. They were also the only ones allowed to hold priesthoods in the various temples. One Consul, an advisor to the Roman leader, was elected from the Senators.
Patricians were the wealthy landowners who owned the bulk of the estates in Rome. After the formation of the Republic, the Patricians formed an assembly of elected individuals to form the Senate. Patricians enjoyed wider circles of influence and privileges. They were also the only ones allowed to hold priesthoods in the various temples. One Consul, an advisor to the Roman leader, was elected from the Senators.
2. Plebeians
Although they were equally as wealthy as the patricians and had more representation, plebeians did not enjoy the same type of influence and political standing. Plebeians were made up of small farmers, craftsmen, and merchants, and men who were not slaves.They served as tribunes, representatives in the Republic. The other consul in the Senate represented the Plebeians.
Although they were equally as wealthy as the patricians and had more representation, plebeians did not enjoy the same type of influence and political standing. Plebeians were made up of small farmers, craftsmen, and merchants, and men who were not slaves.They served as tribunes, representatives in the Republic. The other consul in the Senate represented the Plebeians.
Encomienda: latin america
The encomienda system was created by the Spanish to control and regulate American Indian labor and behavior during the colonization of the Americas. Under the encomienda system, conquistadors and other leaders (encomenderos) received grants of a number of Indians, from whom they could exact “tribute” in the form of gold or labor. The encomenderos were supposed to protect and Christianize the Indians granted to them, but they most often used the system to effectively enslave the Indians and take their lands. This system was developed in the 1500s and was abolished in the early 1800's, once many of the Latin American colonies began declaring their independence from Spain. The resulting social hierarchy was established mostly on the principal of racial background.
1. Peninsulares
Peninsulares were the ruling class of the encomienda system. Their social class name referred to the fact they were pure-blood Spaniards who were born in Spain, which is located on the Iberian Peninsula (Peninsular=Peninsula). These Spaniards were granted land contracts with the Spanish Crown, and were preferred for government jobs or businesses. They also were in charge of monitoring the production of crops harvested by Indian labor.
Peninsulares were the ruling class of the encomienda system. Their social class name referred to the fact they were pure-blood Spaniards who were born in Spain, which is located on the Iberian Peninsula (Peninsular=Peninsula). These Spaniards were granted land contracts with the Spanish Crown, and were preferred for government jobs or businesses. They also were in charge of monitoring the production of crops harvested by Indian labor.
2. Criollos (Creoles)
The second-class citizens of the encomienda were called criollos, the Spanish word for "creole". This refers to the fact that they were Spanish citizens who were born in the Americas. This class was often made up of children of the peninsulares, but they were not treated as equally as their parents were.They were frequently barred from starting their own land estates or businesses, and could not get the government jobs the peninsulares could. However, they still had more wealth and influence than classes below their station.
The second-class citizens of the encomienda were called criollos, the Spanish word for "creole". This refers to the fact that they were Spanish citizens who were born in the Americas. This class was often made up of children of the peninsulares, but they were not treated as equally as their parents were.They were frequently barred from starting their own land estates or businesses, and could not get the government jobs the peninsulares could. However, they still had more wealth and influence than classes below their station.
3. Mestizos & Mulattoes
The middle class was made up of the children of European citizens (either peninsulares or criollos) and other races in Latin America. The mestizos were the offspring of European and Native Indians, while mulattoes were of European and African descent. Even though these persons were of Spanish descent, they were not able to own land or start their own businesses. This class, many generations later, would eventually grow to be the largest class in terms of population.
The middle class was made up of the children of European citizens (either peninsulares or criollos) and other races in Latin America. The mestizos were the offspring of European and Native Indians, while mulattoes were of European and African descent. Even though these persons were of Spanish descent, they were not able to own land or start their own businesses. This class, many generations later, would eventually grow to be the largest class in terms of population.
4. Native Americans
The Native Americans were the original slaves in the encomienda, but many years of hard labor and exposure to European diseases wiped out their once-populous numbers. This is the smallest class in the system.
The Native Americans were the original slaves in the encomienda, but many years of hard labor and exposure to European diseases wiped out their once-populous numbers. This is the smallest class in the system.
5. Africans
Africans were the newest members of Latin American society, as they were brought from Africa to replace the slave population originally made up of Native Americans. The Africans did not have any rights, and were considered to be the property of peninsulares and criollos.
Africans were the newest members of Latin American society, as they were brought from Africa to replace the slave population originally made up of Native Americans. The Africans did not have any rights, and were considered to be the property of peninsulares and criollos.
Social Mobility Factors
Due to the fact that a person's station in Latin America was determined by their racial background, there was not very much opportunity for movement within the social classes. Criollos were often very resentful of the peninsulares, and mestizo/mulatto children could only be educated if their European parent took responsibility for them. This restricted movement between social classes would eventually be one of the many reasons for the downfall of Spanish rule in the colonies in the early 1800's.
Due to the fact that a person's station in Latin America was determined by their racial background, there was not very much opportunity for movement within the social classes. Criollos were often very resentful of the peninsulares, and mestizo/mulatto children could only be educated if their European parent took responsibility for them. This restricted movement between social classes would eventually be one of the many reasons for the downfall of Spanish rule in the colonies in the early 1800's.
Modern System
The modern social class system can be seen in industrialized and well-developed countries, especially the United States, Canada, and western Europe. The modern class system is based on financial distribution of wealth and influence.
- Upper Class: The upper class belongs to the people who are wealthy and hold the greatest political power. The members of the upper class are often born wealthy and the wealth passes from generation to generation in the form of estates. A small percentage of the society belongs to the upper class. The members of the upper class have their own business ventures and their own various financial organizations. They employ the middle class and lower class people for a substantial wage.
- Middle Class: The middle class constitutes the largest percentage of the total social population. The group falls between the lower class and the upper class; both in the social and economic status. They maintain their economical status by working for the various business firms. The workers of the middle class are also called as white collar workers.
- Lower Class: The people belonging to the lower class are economically insecure and they are employed in the low paying jobs for earning their livelihood. The lower class can further be divided into two types such as the people who are employed but lack financial security and the people who are homeless and unemployed for long term and receive the necessary welfare from the state government.
Social Mobility Factors
The most important idea about modern class systems is that people of a particular class can move to another class. One can move up in the social status and one can move down too in the social status. This transition depends upon various factors such as achievement levels in education, personal motivation to change your position, and your ability to influence others in a positive manner.
The most important idea about modern class systems is that people of a particular class can move to another class. One can move up in the social status and one can move down too in the social status. This transition depends upon various factors such as achievement levels in education, personal motivation to change your position, and your ability to influence others in a positive manner.