The Rise of the Gentry (document)

"The Rise of the Gentry" refers to the period when a wealthy and influential social class emerged in China, particularly during the Tang and Song dynasties. This group, known as the gentry, consisted of landowning families who gained power through education, land, and civil service exams. They played a significant role in government, culture, and economics, often controlling local administration and maintaining influence over common farmers and merchants. Their rise shifted power away from the traditional aristocracy, fostering a more merit-based and bureaucratic society. This transformation contributed to social mobility and shaped China's political and social structure for centuries.