Final answer:
The formation of social classes was a critical development in the history of civilization, with the statement being true. It occurred as a result of resource surpluses from agriculture leading to labor specialization and the unequal distribution of wealth, reinforcing societal stratification.
Step-by-step explanation:
The formation of social classes was indeed a pivotal step in the evolution of civilization, making the statement true. As civilizations developed, particularly following the advent of agriculture, there arose a surplus of resources which enabled certain individuals to specialize in tasks beyond food production, such as trading, crafting, or leading. This specialization led to the accumulation of wealth and power for some, while others remained in roles centered around manual labor and production, which kept them lower in the social hierarchy.
Individuals and families hence became stratified into different classes based on their ability to accumulate resources and influence. Over time, structured hierarchies formed with distinct social classes that had varying levels of wealth, status, and power. This stratification had profound implications on the economic, political, and cultural landscapes of these societies. Notably, the exchange of goods and services further reinforced these social divisions, as did the evolving roles and responsibilities within the family unit.
Historically, those controlling resources, whether land, commodities, or information, could assert dominance and shape the societal structure. This resulted in a clear separation between classes, eventually defining societies in terms of their social organization and the differential access to resources among various groups.