Common people

Definition

Common people refer to the general population in society, typically comprising farmers, laborers, and artisans who had limited political power and wealth compared to the ruling elite. In the context of the Zhou Dynasty and the Mandate of Heaven, common people played a crucial role in the social structure, as they were the backbone of agriculture and industry, sustaining the economy and providing the necessary resources for the ruling class.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Common people during the Zhou Dynasty primarily engaged in agricultural work, which was essential for sustaining the economy and providing food for the population.
2. The well-being of common people was directly linked to the success of the rulers; when rulers lost the Mandate of Heaven due to mismanagement or tyranny, common people often suffered first.
3. Social mobility for common people was limited, as they were typically bound to the land they worked on and relied on local lords for protection and governance.
4. Common people's rights were often overlooked in favor of maintaining the power structure established by feudalism, with their voices rarely heard in political decisions.
5. Despite their lack of power, common people sometimes had significant influence through collective action, such as protests or rebellions against unjust rulers.

Review Questions

• How did the status and role of common people influence the stability of Zhou Dynasty governance?
  • The status and role of common people were vital to the stability of Zhou Dynasty governance because they formed the majority of the population and were essential for agricultural production. Their loyalty and productivity supported the ruling elite and contributed to societal stability. When common people felt neglected or oppressed, their dissatisfaction could lead to unrest or rebellion, challenging the rulers' legitimacy and ability to maintain power.
• In what ways did the Mandate of Heaven impact the lives of common people during the Zhou Dynasty?
  • The Mandate of Heaven impacted common people's lives significantly because it determined whether their rulers were seen as legitimate or not. When a ruler lost this mandate due to failure or tyranny, common people faced hardships such as famine or war. Conversely, when a ruler was deemed virtuous and just, it often resulted in improved conditions for commoners through better governance and economic stability.
• Evaluate how the feudal system during the Zhou Dynasty affected social mobility for common people and its implications on society as a whole.
  • The feudal system during the Zhou Dynasty severely restricted social mobility for common people, as they were often tied to their lords and worked land that was not theirs. This limitation created a rigid social structure where wealth and power remained concentrated among the elite. The implications on society included a lack of incentive for innovation among common people, contributing to economic stagnation, while also fostering resentment towards rulers who failed to address their needs and concerns.

Related terms

Mandate of Heaven: The belief that the Chinese emperor's right to rule was granted by divine approval, legitimizing their authority as long as they governed justly.

Feudalism: A social system prevalent during the Zhou Dynasty where land was held by lords in exchange for military service and loyalty from vassals, including common people.

Patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power and are predominant in roles of political leadership, moral authority, and control of property, often impacting the lives of common people.