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Societal Comparison and Differentiation by Kaenan D.

Society 1: Postclassical Japan
Society 2: Postclassical China

Social: In terms of social hierarchies, and characteristics Japan incorporated the Shogunate system within its social values. The Shogunate system introduced a life where that revolves around the admiration and exaltation of the emperor, but at the same time revering family honor. Japan also developed the samurai, the equivalent to West Europe’s knights, were basically high-class tax collectors used to enforce rule on peasants; they were highly-recognized officers. Post-Classical China did not have the Samurais for enforcement, rather they heavily relied on mercenaries, and their army. Both civilizations were rather patriarchal, and women both had limited rights and opportunities.

Economic: When it comes to Postclassical Japan and Chinas economy they both appear to be similar in the larger picture. Extensive trading and Agricultural were both stressed in each civilization. China on the other hand though, due to its connection to the western worlds, practiced more intensive and extensive trading. Popular trade merchandise included rice, silk, and inevitably gunpowder. The Japanese though traded more valuable, luxurious commodities such as desirable pearls. The Japanese also centered its economy mostly on agriculture, because of its desire to remain self-sufficient.

Political: The Political Infrastructures of Japan and China epitomized imperialistic and patriarchal beliefs. The major difference can be found in their perspective on the Mandate of Heaven. Chinese brought fairness onto the political playing field. The Chinese people have the ability to replace an incompetent unfair emperor. The Japanese disagreed, saying that the emperor was indisputably absolute, and also Samurai’s played a key role in the Emperor’s rule. In addition, since Daoism and Confucianism were the main beliefs, they can be seen as influential to the political rules. Education, honor, social hierarchy, and rule for the benefit of the respected public defined the political systems of these two civilizations.