Social Order in the Han Dynasty
By Francesca G.
Social order was valued in the Han Dynasty, because respect for one’s parents and rulers was the most important type of respect that could be portrayed. We cannot be rude to our parents, because they birthed us. We are forever in debt of our parents, so we must serve them when they need it [1]. People must be respectful to their ruler, who is like a secondary parent, because they work hard to gain the respect of the people. The emperor was at the top of the hierarchy, the most important member of every society. The main emperor in the Han dynasty was emperor Wu Di. Wu Di gave land and power to other rulers, local landlords. In return for the land and power, Wu Di expected tax collection, frequent reports, and supplement to the military when it was needed. [2] It was hard for the emperor and local landlords to have a healthy relationship, especially if they were both worried about the other having too much power on them, so the tax burden was piled onto the poor farmers to please both the emperors and the landlords. There was also six ministries; Appointments - were responsible for filling government posts, Revenue - was responsible for tax collection, Ceremonies - was responsible for supervising public gatherings, and the last three, Punishment, War, Public Works - were responsible for irrigation projects and guarding the Great Wall [3]. Confucianist scholars were also very high on the social pyramid, because of their intelligence. Rulers kept them on their side as an advantage, and they were also the ones to pass the examination. In order to be high up on the hierarchy, one had to be intelligent, liked by the emperor, and most likely Confucianist.
[1] De Bary, Theodore, and Irene Bloom Sour. “Sources of Chinese Tradition.” (New York:
Columbia University Press, 1999). 299-300.
[2] Johnson, Jean Elliot and Donald James Johnson. "The Human Drama" (New Jersey:
Markus Wiener Publishers, 2000). 252-265.
[3] Ibid.
[1] De Bary, Theodore, and Irene Bloom Sour. “Sources of Chinese Tradition.” (New York:
Columbia University Press, 1999). 299-300.
[2] Johnson, Jean Elliot and Donald James Johnson. "The Human Drama" (New Jersey:
Markus Wiener Publishers, 2000). 252-265.
[3] Ibid.
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- World Civilizations, (4th ed., 2005), Peter Stearns et al., pp. 44,46.