Scholar-farmer-artisan-merchant social ordering in ancient/medieval China

What was the role of artisans in ancient China?

The Gong (Artisans and craftspeople)



The third social class in ancient Chinese society was made up of artisans and craftspeople. Those people in this group had particular skills required to make highly specialised items. Included in this group were armourers, metalworkers, and carpenters.

What were the four classes in ancient China?

There were four social classes in ancient China including noble, farmers or peasants, artisans or craftsmen, and merchants. The four social classes were based on the teachings of Confucius. The four social classes were to allow people to live in harmony and balance.

What was the merchant class in ancient China?

Near the bottom of the ladder was the merchant class. Many people in this class were rich, such as traders and shopkeepers. But they were looked down upon. That’s because they made money by trading goods that others had made.

What were artisans in China?

Artisans, or craftspeople, were one of several groups in Han society that made up the class of commoners. As a group, artisans earned more money than farmers, but not as much as merchants. Although artisans did not enjoy the high social status of nobles or officials, they were well respected in Han society.

What did farmers do in ancient China?

Farmers had to work for the government for around one month every year. They either had to serve in military or had to do construction projects like building palaces, canals and city walls. Farmers were also required to give some percentage of crops to the government as tax.

What was the social structure of medieval China?

The imperial system divided Chinese society into five broad classes: the nobility and the “four occupations.” In order of decreasing status, the “four occupations” included the shi (gentry), nong (farmers), gong (craftspeople), and shang (merchants).

What were the 3 main social classes of early China?

Main Idea: Chinese society had three main social classes: landowning aristocrats, farmers, and merchants.

What are the 3 social classes?

Sociologists generally posit three classes: upper, working (or lower), and middle. The upper class in modern capitalist societies is often distinguished by the possession of largely inherited wealth.

What were the 5 key social groups in ancient China?

The social hierarchy in Ancient China was paramount. Emperors, government officials, nobles, peasants, merchants and slaves all had their role to play within Chinese society.



What were the roles of a artisans?

An artisan is someone that works with their hands to create unique, functional and/or decorative items using traditional techniques. Artisans are masters of their craft and create products such as clothes, toys, tools or furnishings.

What did ancient artisans do?

Artisans created the fine artwork that often covered temples, royal tombs, and other monuments. They worked in large groups to complete engravings, paintings, and hieroglyphics. Despite artisans’ skill and creativity, the upper classes often viewed them as little more than common laborers.

What was the job of an artisan?

An artisan is a person who has been trained in a mechanical art or trade. The particular skill necessary in the work is acquired by attending a technical college, serving an apprenticeship, or by working as a handyman or helper and learning the trade informally.

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