Question

Why did the Elizabethans believe social class and status were important?

Answer 1

The Elizabethans valued social class and status due to the role they played in dictating one's lifestyle, privileges, and societal role. Class served as a signifier of moral superiority and enabled people to associate with their equals, reflecting the period's inherent belief in social order and structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Elizabethans believed that social class and status were significant because they deeply influenced the social structure and individuals' quality of life. Social stratification allowed people to live, work, and associate with others of similar income level, educational background, and tastes in food, music, and clothing. Not only did these class distinctions determine one's lifestyle and privileges, but they also reflected the inherent beliefs of the era regarding the nature of social hierarchy and the idea that one's birth determined their role and status in society. Higher social status was often equated with being morally superior and inherently better than lower classes.

The impact of the Industrial Revolution further cemented the importance of class as it created new societal dynamics with an emerging middle class who began to distinguish themselves from both the working class and the old aristocracy based on their wealth, morality, and work ethic. Additionally, inherited social status dictated many aspects of daily life, from clothing and housing to one's rights and privileges, reinforcing the power and cohesion of the ruling elite. As such, Elizabethans, like many societies before and after, upheld social class and status as crucial to maintaining order and distinguishing individuals within the social hierarchy.

Answer 2

Hierarchy in Elizabethan England had been so important that it is suggested to be the most vital element in order to understand the history of those days. Moreover, it is a well known fact that distinction between people of different social classes has been in existence since the very beginning of human life.
· Elizabethan era had its own rules regarding the social structure prevalent in their society, and, people were bound to follow those rules. There were sumptuary laws imposed by the rulers to curb the expenditure of the people. These laws were related to food, clothing, furniture, and, jewellery. The main objective of these laws was to ensure that a specific class structure is maintained.