Social Classes in Ancient China
This class was at the top of the social hierarchy
what is the Shi class?
This concept justified the emperor’s right to rule and could be lost if the emperor failed.
What is the Mandate of Heaven?
Artisans, like potters and metalworkers, belonged to this social class.
What is the Gong?
women were most valued for doing this important job in the family.
what is it to have children and take care of them, especially boys.
This class made up about 90% of the population
What is the Nong class?
This title was not officially part of any social class, yet it was the most powerful position in ancient China.
What is the Emperor?
Peasants provided this essential product to the kingdom, which made them highly valued despite their lower status.
what was food
Upon getting married, a woman in ancient China was expected to join this part of her new family’s household
why did women move to her husbands household
This class consisted of artisans and craftspeople who created specialized items
What is the Gong class?
was a king like role is ruled unwell, people believed he lost this divine approval
What is the Mandate of Heaven?
Members of this class could sometimes establish businesses by passing down their craft skills.
What is the Gong?
In times of extreme poverty, some families resorted to this tragic act involving their daughters.
What is infanticide or selling into slavery?
Although at the bottom of the social structure, members of this class could become wealthy
What is the Shang class?
If an emperor failed to rule well, people believed he lost this divine approval.
What is the Mandate of Heaven?
Though below the peasants, this class often produced goods that were essential for everyday life.
What is the Gong?
After marriage women were expected to live with these people.
husbands family!
This group, technically not considered part of the social hierarchy, could be captured in war or sold
Who are the Slaves?
people deciding the had emperor lost the Mandate of Heaven, this group could overthrow him.
Who are rebellious subjects
Merchants often used this financial method to increase their wealth, despite being seen as dishonorable.
What is lending money and charging interest?
people women were expected to help their husbands take care of these family members.
who were elderly parents