1. Lesson 1.8: Social Classes

2.  List 3 examples of cultural diffusion.  What did Alexander the Great have to do with cultural diffusion?  What is the silk road?  What do you know about a caste system? KNIGHT’S CHARGE

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4.  Social Class – People who have the same social, economic, or educational status.  Today, most social classes are based on money and education. SOCIAL CLASSES

5.  Social classes began in ancient societies when people began to form families and trace their lineage.  Lineage – A group of people with a common ancestor. SOCIAL CLASSES

6.  It is believed that social classes started in early African cultures.  Classes varied from village to village based on how people traced their lineage. SOCIAL CLASSES

7.  There are two ways to trace lineage:  Patrilineal – Lineage traced through father  Matrilineal – Lineage traced through mother. SOCIAL CLASSES

8.  Gradually, social classes began to shift as people were grouped together by jobs and roles in their village.  Highest: Elders/Leaders  Priests  Warriors  Laborers  Lowest: Slaves SOCIAL CLASSES

9.  There was usually a much larger portion of the population at the bottom…rather than the top of society.  Classed were not rigid.  Rigid – Strict or permanent.  Example: A laborer could test his strength and become a warrior.  A warriors son could then become a priest.  This was called Upward Mobility (the ability to move up a class). SOCIAL CLASSES

10.  As time progressed, social classes became MUCH more rigid.  A great example is Egypt: SOCIAL CLASSES

11.  Egyptians had a hierarchy.  Hierarchy – Aa system in which people are ranked, one above another according to status or authority.  What are some examples of hierarchies in the United States? SOCIAL CLASSES

12.  India had a specific hierarchy called a Caste System.  Caste – A social group  The higher up the caste system, you were believed to be more pure and closer to enlightenment.  These castes were rigid and could not be changed. You were born into them.  (We have already talked about the specific Indian social classes) SOCIAL CLASSES

13.  The lowest caste in India were the Dalits (untouchables).  Untouchables had to live in a different area in the city, walk in gutters or ditches, and can only clean the streets and sewers.  Untouchables even had to warn people if they were coming by using an instrument called a “clapper.” SOCIAL CLASSES

14.  Demographics – Percentages of the population broken down over race, education, or wealth, etc.  Ancient societies were predominantly (usually) only comprised of one race.  Usually, the only different races were slaves.  Slaves were usually acquired by conquering other kingdoms.  The losing side, would become the winners slaves. SOCIAL CLASSES

15. Caste System Article SOCIAL CLASSES