Ancient China - Key Groups

What is a social class?

• line of rulers in the same family

• people with a similar position in society

• heavenly law giving the king the right to command

A ​ (a)   is a way of organizing things (or people) from top down in order of importance or significance.

• hierarchy
• pyramid
• government
• monarchy

Ancient Chinese society was based on a strict social hierarchy. Order the social classes from most important to least important.

• The shang - merchants and traders

• Emperor and Imperial family

• The shi - nobles and officials

• The gong - artisans and craftspeople

• The nong - farmers

Match the following occupations to their correct definition.

• Merchant

• Made their money through the exportation and selling of luxury goods such as silk.

• Official

• The leader of ancient China, who protected the people and forced them to obey him.

• Artisan

• Worked on farmland, served as soldiers and worked on building projects.

• Farmer

• Worked closely with the Emperor, gaining high status and a good income by partaking in governmental duties.

• Emperor

• A highly skilled class who solely produced the goods essential for daily life.

Which key group in ancient China believed that the government should not be concerned with money?

• The nong

• The shang

• The gong

• The shi

Identify the shang and the nong on the social hierarchy.

a

b

Nong

Shang

In ancient China, the birth of a girl was a sign of good luck.

• True

• False

Foot binding made women dependent on their husbands and family.

• True

• False

Women in ancient China were...

• Treated well

• Educated

• Allowed to lead

• Treated as second class citizens

Why were the craftsmen (gong) more respected than the merchants (shang)?

• Because they owned land

• Because of their friendship with the emperor

• Because of their money

• Because of their skills