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Chapter 7 Section 2. China’s Social System. There were 3 main Social Classes found in Early China. 1 Landowning aristocrats Large estates, big houses, the nicest stuff, protected by big walls. Land was split between sons so each generation got less and less land. 2. Peasant farmers
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China’s Social System • There were 3 main Social Classes found in Early China. • 1 Landowning aristocrats • Large estates, big houses, the nicest stuff, protected by big walls. • Land was split between sons so each generation got less and less land. • 2. Peasant farmers • 9 out of 10 Chinese were farmers. • Without them, the aristocrats made no money. • 3. Merchants • While usually richer than other classes, they were the lowest because it was not cool to be concerned with money in Early China.
The Chinese Family • Family is extremely important to the Chinese. • They had big families so they could have enough workers. • They always took care of each other, no matter what. • Filial Piety • Children have to respect their parents and older relatives • The Head of the Family (oldest male) made all of the decisions and his needs came first. • As usual, the man’s work was more important than the woman’s.
China’s Philosophies • The Chinese are a very power hungry group of people. • Towards the end of the Zhou dynasty violence and fighting was very normal. • Armies would destroy whole villages, including the women and children. • All of this fighting caused many Chinese to look to different ways of restoring order and peace. • Three major philosophies about how to create a peaceful society emerged during this time. • Confucianism, Daoism, and Legalism
Confucianism • Confucius grew up in a rural village in China. • He became China’s 1st great thinker and teacher. • Confucius’ Teachings: • I. Sense of Duty • Put the needs of the family and community 1st. • Parents owe their children love, children owe their parents respect. • The rulers must be the best example of this. • If a ruler thought about the common good, he would be respected and society would prosper. • II. Seek Knowledge • The more you know, the better off you will be.
Confucianism • III. The Golden Rule • Do unto others as you would have done unto you. • IV. Intelligence over Birth • Confucius taught that just because you were born an aristocrat, that doesn’t mean you were born to be a ruler • He taught that any man, regardless of social class, that has a talent for leading and governing should be given the opportunity to do so. • At the time, the Chinese leaders didn’t like these ideas. This could be because they were all aristocrats. However, over time Confucius’ teachings became the basis for Chinese government. • During the Han Dynasty, the Civil Service Exam that all government officials had to pass was based on Confucius.
Daoism • Based on the teachings of Laozi • (pronounced Lowd-zoo) • Also called the Old Master • These teachings can be found in the book “The Way of the Dao” • Teachings of Daoism • I. Give up your worldly desires • Turn to nature and the Dao • Dao is the force that guides all things. • II. Inner peace • Don’t worry about the rest of the world. • Seek inner peace and live in harmony with nature. • This part is opposite from Confucianism.
Legalism • Legalism is called the “School of Law” • Developed by Hanfeizi • (pronounced han-fay-dzoo) • The Qin rulers were followers of this school of thought • Teachings of Legalism • I. People are Evil • People are born evil, whether they like it or not. • II. Kindness is for Babies • The only way to control evil people is with strong laws and harsh punishments. • Aristocrats liked this because it allowed them to use as much power and force as they wanted. • Cruelty and strong rule are the only way to maintain an orderly society.
