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View Full Version : Class society original development



JazzRemington
9th May 2007, 00:13
I'm sure this could belong in a lot of different sections, as it will probably involve many disciplines (philosophy, science, sociology, history, etc.).

We all know the division of labor created class society. With the development of agriculture, few could now work to satisfy the needs of the group, which in turn allowed for some people to make their living with other tasks, such as managing the producers (i.e. political authority).

But why did this happen? Why exactly did the division of labor happen? Was it in response to the precariousness of the hunter-gatherer mode of production? Was it by accident?

Also, how exactly did this create the two great classes of ruling class and working class? Could not everyone belong to the working class and share the management duties? Was the ruling class created by force with a few using power to subjugate the many? If so how did this happen, with shear physical power or with ideological constructs such as religion and rights? Or was the ruling class created voluntarily through, as people like Hobbes or Locke would say, a pact that gave some people authority over the rest?

I think it would be very difficult to answer this without applying a presupposed human nature to humans (i.e. if the ruling class was created by force, then some people are naturally violent and domineering).

Wiesty
9th May 2007, 01:45
I'm not sure if the division of labour was the complete cause of class society. If we look at it, we could go back to the time of cavemen if we wanted. I'm sure the strongest would have been at the top of society with more respect etc. and the weakest at the bottoms. This could of turned into the more able in society being payed more, thus creating a richer class and a poorer class. Just a quick theory btw.

cenv
9th May 2007, 05:37
Well, for division of labor to be possible, society first has to figure out how to produce an abundance of goods. Until this is possible, everyone is fending for themselves and simply producing what is necessary for their own, personal survival. However, at the point that some people develop the technology or knowledge to produce an abundance of goods (i.e. an amount greater than that necessary for their personal consumption), the basis for division of labor is formed, as is the basis for the ruling class (the people who 'own'/discover the technology and knowledge necessary to produce an abundance of goods become the ruling class).

Just another quick theory. ;P