Socio-economic structure

Definition

Socio-economic structure refers to the organized framework of social and economic relationships within a society, determining how resources are distributed and how social roles and hierarchies are established. This structure includes various elements such as class stratification, labor divisions, and economic systems, all of which shape the daily lives of individuals and communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Angkor's socio-economic structure was heavily influenced by its agricultural base, particularly rice cultivation, which supported a large population.
2. The centralized authority of the Khmer Empire allowed for efficient tax collection and resource distribution among its subjects.
3. There was a clear hierarchy within Angkor society, with a ruling elite, skilled artisans, farmers, and laborers all occupying distinct roles.
4. Trade played a significant role in Angkor's economy, with connections to neighboring regions facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas.
5. Religious institutions also had a major impact on the socio-economic structure by accumulating wealth and land, often functioning as centers of power.

Review Questions

• How did agriculture shape the socio-economic structure of Angkor?
  • Agriculture was the backbone of Angkor's socio-economic structure, primarily through rice cultivation. This agricultural base not only sustained the population but also enabled the Khmer Empire to support a complex social hierarchy. The surplus produced allowed for trade, specialization of labor, and the rise of a ruling elite that controlled land and resources.
• Discuss the role of trade in influencing the socio-economic relationships within Angkor.
  • Trade significantly impacted Angkor's socio-economic relationships by facilitating interaction with neighboring regions. It led to the exchange of goods such as textiles, spices, and precious stones while also introducing new technologies and ideas. This trade network contributed to the wealth of the ruling elite and helped maintain the empire's stability through economic interdependence.
• Evaluate how the socio-economic structure of Angkor contributed to both its success and eventual decline.
  • The socio-economic structure of Angkor fostered immense agricultural productivity and wealth accumulation among the elite, enabling large-scale construction projects like temples. However, this structure also created reliance on rice production and centralized power that could not adapt quickly to changing environmental conditions or external pressures. Over time, environmental degradation, coupled with internal strife and external invasions, exposed vulnerabilities in this rigid socio-economic framework, contributing to the empire's decline.

Related terms

Class Stratification: The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in a society based on factors such as wealth, income, education, and occupation.

Labor Division: The allocation of different tasks and responsibilities to individuals or groups in a society, often leading to increased efficiency and specialization.

Economic System: The system by which goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed in a society, influencing the socio-economic relationships within that society.