Ancient China Social Pyramid
ArtisansThe social classes of ancient China can be classified into four major categories. These were shi, nong, gong and shang. The shi were also called as scholars, nong as farmers, gong as artisans and shang as merchants. The Chinese social hierarchy was designed in order of importance of the particular classes for the society. The higher ranks exhibited more responsibilities and value towards the society and the lower ranks exhibited relatively less value towards the society.
The Gong class consisted of Artisans and craftsman. They were higher in position than that of the merchants. They also had a significant role for the country. They worked in either the government sectors or the private sectors. Many artisans also worked on their independent businesses. They were involved in various types of jobs. They produced textiles, potteries, cloth, crafts and worked in various architectural works. They were valued because of their specific skills. Their class was considered similar to farmers because they produced their own goods. They also passed their skills from father to son, which was considered somewhat honourable. The Gong were more respected than merchants because merchants could not produce their own goods. In many instances, members of the Gong formed guilds, which were used as a unifying mechanism. Very successful members of this class could afford to have an apprentice or assistant as most did not own property and therefore did not pay taxes. |
Social pyramids would not succeed in AustraliaA social pyramid would not succeed in Australia because of many different factors, such as; the modern confrontation about slavery, Australians regard themselves as equals and our current leader is respected. In the past slavery was common and un-confronted, while in modern times slavery is abolished in as many places as possible. Slavery has been acknowledge as the terror that it is, so a social pyramid would not succeed because of the support against this slavery activity. Australians in modern times regard themselves as equals, but under the commandment of the Queen - a much respected lady. It is commonly know among Australians the being equals in a community will achieve much more, than individuals competing against one another and develop the community better, than a social pyramid structure.
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