Watch: Jobs in the Shang dynasty
Narrator: In the Shang dynasty you weren’t allowed to choose what job you did. It all depended on which class you belonged to.
King: What a lovely day this is turning out to be.
Priest: We can thank the gods for that.
Narrator: At the top were the wealthy ruling class. Then came priests, soldiers, craftsmen, farmers and prisoners.
The ruling class worked on important jobs for the Shang government and were really rich.
Woman: The people think you’re a brilliant king.
Narrator: Priests were thought to be able to predict the future.
Priest: It looks like our army will be victorious in battle.
Narrator: Soldiers were respected and honoured for their fighting skills.
The craftsmen were in the middle class. Their job was to make pottery, sculpture and metal work.
Shopper: How much for that pot?
Craftsman: I will give you a bargain.
Shopper: Wonderful, I’ll take twenty.
Narrator: Most people belonged to the lower class and worked as farmers. Although respected for the food they grew, it was a tough life and most of the work was done by hand.
Farmer: Phew, when will the rains come and break this heat?
Narrator: Prisoners were the lowest class of all and were captured during battles. They were forced to do anything that their masters wanted.
Master: Hurry up, those rocks won’t smash themselves.
What did the higher classes do?
The position of king in the Shang dynasty was hereditary. This meant you had to be born into the royal family to be king.
There were many positions at the royal court though, including:
- agricultural officials
- dog officers for hunting
- guards
- musicians
- astronomers
Nobles had a lot of money and power, depending on their relationship with the royal family.
There would have also been scribes to write. We know this from discovering oracle bones with writing on them.
What did ordinary Shang people do?
Ordinary people were conscripted (made to) to fight in the army.
Artisans and labourers made bronze vessels and weapons.
A lot of people worked in the mines and transporting the copper, tin and lead used to make bronze.
Most people were labourers on the farms or craftspeople.
What did Shang women do?
Women were not allowed to have the jobs in public life that men had.
They were also not allowed to take exams.
Instead they specialised in skills and crafts for women only such as weaving.
But they could reach high office and attain great powers as we know from the life of Fu Hao, military general and high priestess.
Which job might you have done during the Shang Dynasty?
Are you creative?
- Do you like making things, drawing and painting?
- Are you a patient person who loves trying new things?
You might have been a jade carver.
Jade carvers would spend a long time making detailed jewellery from the pale green stone, jade. It's a job that would suit someone who likes art.
Are you confident?
- Are you the leader of your friends?
- Do they ask for your advice and you help them?
- Do you like making up new games for you all to play?
You might have been a king.
The king had to make difficult decisions. People would rely on the king's advice and looked up to him. It's a job which would suit a confident person.
Are you active?
- Are you really sporty?
- Do you like running, climbing and playing games outside?
- Can you not sit still for very long?
You might have been a soldier.
Soldiers had to be very brave. They fought using spears and bows and arrows. There weren't any guns or cannons. This job might suit someone who is very sporty.
Activities
Activity 1: Which is the correct job?
Activity 2: Shang dynasty jobs quiz
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