Social classes in Ancient China were based on birth, wealth and the kind of work they did. Everything from where people lived to what they ate and how they dressed depended on the class they belonged in.
Kings and Emperors: Ancient China had a government that was run by Dynasties. Different regions had their own dynasty run by Kings. A King becomes an Emperor when their dynasty becomes dominant. The Ancient Chinese people called their emperors "Sons of Heaven" because they believed that they were chosen by the Gods. Emperors became China's political, military and religious leaders.
Scholars: Scholars were seen as intelligent people who followed Confucius’ teachings, and educated people about morals and behaviors. They were the thinkers of the time and wrote poetry and published works on medicine, astronomy and mathematics. Their findings and thoughts are used today in modern times.
To discover Ancient China's top 10 scholars visit:
http://www.chinawhisper.com/top-10-ancient-chinese-scholars/
To discover Ancient China's top 10 scholars visit:
http://www.chinawhisper.com/top-10-ancient-chinese-scholars/
Poor peasants and farmers: Poor peasants and farmers were next on the hierarchy because of what they gave to the nation. Food to feed everyone.
Skilled workers and craftsmen: Skilled workers and craftsmen made useful items that helped people in their everyday life. They were like farmers, always helping others but instead making and building things like houses,clothes, jewelry and silk. The reason why there not as important as farmers was because they did not own land like most farmers.
Merchants and women: Merchants and women were at the bottom. Merchants were seen as low in the social order because they were only working for themselves and only making themselves rich. Women had to obey the head of the household usually her husband or father. Their job was to look after the house and children. A women had no choice on who she could marry and as this was arranged by the parents. Females were seen as so low and provided very little to a family unlike a son that parents would get rid of girl babies by leaving them by the side of the road or killing them. The only women who had any "value" were wives and daughters of the emperors.