Lesson 1.8: Social

Classes

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

WEIRD DISNEY FACT OF THE DAY!

Beyonce could have been a Disney Princess…but, alas, she was too spoiled to try out.

Beyonce wanted the role of Princess Tiana, but expected to simply be “given” it when she asked. When they told her she needed to try-out for the role, she refused, saying “I’m Beyonce.”

Alicia Keys and Tyra Banks also wanted the role. After many auditions, it was decided that…

…Anika Noni Rose, a Broadway actress, had a better voice than all of them and was given the job.

Social Class – People who have the same social, economic, or educational status.

Today, most social classes are based on money and education.

SOCIAL CLASSES

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

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

There are two ways to trace lineage:

Patrilineal – Lineage traced through father

Matrilineal – Lineage traced through mother.

SOCIAL CLASSES

Gradually, social classes began to shift as people were grouped together by jobs and roles in their village.

Highest: Elders/LeadersPriestsWarriorsLaborersLowest: Slaves

SOCIAL CLASSES

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

As time progressed, social classes became MUCH more rigid.

A great example is Egypt:

SOCIAL CLASSES

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

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

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

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

Caste System Article

SOCIAL CLASSES