Early Asian Societal Structures Quick Check
Which statement explains why Dalits were considered to be “untouchable” and “unseeable”?
They performed jobs that dealt with contamination and what was considered spiritual pollution. ✅
They were highly favored by the gods and could not be approached.
They were considered to be unclean because they raised livestock.
They worked as servants to the upper castes.
Read the following verses from the Analects:
“The Master said, ‘If one is guided by profit in one’s actions, one will incur much ill will.’”
“The Master said, ‘The gentleman understands what is moral. The small man understands what is profitable.’”
Based on these verses, what does Confucius recognize about specific attitudes toward specific social classes in ancient China?
The Shi were held in low esteem because they did not practice moral behavior when running the government.
The Gong were held in lower respect than the Shang because they produced goods with their hands.
The Shang class were viewed with disrespect because their greed threatened natural harmony. ✅
The low positions held by the Nong meant that they were seen by the higher-ranking members of Chinese society as being lazy and greedy.
Read the following passage from the Analects for Women by sisters Song Ruohua and Song Ruozhao:
“Being a girl, one must first learn ways of conducting oneself properly. The key to achieving this is by maintaining one’s purity and chastity which would then bring one honor. Hence, do not look over your shoulder while walking; do not move your lips much while speaking; do not sway your legs while sitting; do not lift your skirt while standing; do not burst into laughter when feeling happy; do not shout when feeling angry.”
What is an accurate analysis of attitudes toward Chinese women based on this passage?
Chinese women were expected to exercise independence from their husbands.
Chinese women were expected to follow specific behaviors in both public and private settings. ✅
Chinese women were expected to participate in governmental affairs.
Chinese women were expected to display their true emotions in both public and private settings.
Which of these statements best summarizes Chinese society under the Qin dynasty?
Works by Qin scholars gave Chinese women greater freedom in their society.
Qin scholars preserved the histories of China’s earlier dynasties.
Legalist practices suppressed thoughts and actions that were considered to be threats to the government. ✅
Confucianism experienced a golden age during the Qin dynasty.
Read the following passage from the Analects.
“The Master said: ‘In ruling a state of a thousand chariots, approach your duties with reverence and be trustworthy in what you say; avoid excesses in expenditures and love your fellow men; employ the labor of the common people only in the right seasons.’”
What conclusion can be drawn about how Confucianism influenced the social class system between Zhou rulers and their subjects?
Rulers understood that they had the power to force peasant farmers to work at all times of the year.
Rulers understood that the military existed so that it could intimidate peasant farmers to produce food for the general population.
Rulers understood that peasant farmers had to be treated respectfully so that they could produce enough food to feed the general population. ✅
Rulers understood that they could execute peasant farmers who did not do their duty to raise enough food for the general population.
Explanation: I did the test
Great job! Your answers are all correct. Well done!
Great job! You correctly answered all of the questions in the Early Asian Societal Structures Quick Check. Here is a summary of the correct answers:
1. The statement that explains why Dalits were considered to be “untouchable” and “unseeable” is: They performed jobs that dealt with contamination and what was considered spiritual pollution.
2. Based on the verses from the Analects, Confucius recognizes that the Shang class were viewed with disrespect because their greed threatened natural harmony.
3. An accurate analysis of attitudes toward Chinese women based on the passage is that Chinese women were expected to follow specific behaviors in both public and private settings.
4. The statement that best summarizes Chinese society under the Qin dynasty is: Legalist practices suppressed thoughts and actions that were considered to be threats to the government.
5. The conclusion that can be drawn about how Confucianism influenced the social class system between Zhou rulers and their subjects is that rulers understood that peasant farmers had to be treated respectfully so that they could produce enough food to feed the general population.
Well done! If you have any more questions, feel free to ask.