Social life of ancient Chinese civilization :
(i) Social classification: In ancient times, China’s society was divided into many classes. There was no class division based on birth. The importance and level of a person was determined on his ability. In China, the class of the emperors and the governors of provinces was considered the highest. There were five main classes below the ruling class. These were classes of intellectuals, businessmen, artisans, farmers and slaves.
The position of warriors in the contemporary society of China was low. The position of artisans and traders was like that of the middle class. The position of farmers and labourers was pathetic. They had to do forced labour also. Selling and purchasing of slaves were done, but they were not ill-treated.
There was a separate class of scholars in China called ‘Mandarin’. The people of this class had great respect. Eligible youth had to pass tough exams after reading literary subjects for public service in this class. Thus only scholars could enter the Mandarin class.
(ii) Family: In the family of the Chinese society, the elderly had the most important place for both men and women. Being separated from the family was considered anti-social. The family was patriarchal, but the mothers also attained high status. It was necessary to respect the elders in the family. There was a sense of collective responsibility in the family. The Chinese had unwavering belief in the principles or traditions of their ancestors.
(iii) Women’s status: The situation of women in ancient China was quite respectable. But situation of women in the long run (later) became weak. The ‘viel system’ was also widely practiced, yet they were respected within the family. The women of Chinese society were divided into two classes-one elite and the second general. The elite women got proper education, music, dance and participation in governance, and ordinary women had to work in the fields.
(iv) Food and Lifestyle: In fact, eating and living was also divided on the basis of classes. The financially rich people lived in magnificant buildings with amenities, used to eat good food, while the common people lived simply and wore ordinary clothes. Festivals, fairs and rituals had special significance in the lives of the Chinese people.
