Final answer:
The Sumerian civilization's social structure is how civilization is organized and involves a hierarchy ranging from rulers and religious leaders at the top to farmers and laborers at the bottom, with distinct roles and access to power based on social standing and wealth. The correct answer is option a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Sumerian civilization's social structure is defined as the way a civilization is organized. This encompasses the diversification of social classes and the range of jobs within a society. Social structure extends beyond mere documentation or taxation and is a critical framework for societal functions like decision-making, production, and circulation of goods, and religious practices.
In ancient Mesopotamia, the stratification of social classes was evident. At the top were rulers and religious leaders, while farmers and laborers, despite their crucial role in sustaining the society, resided at the bottom. The Sumerian caste system included priests, who initially ruled and represented gods and managed communal lands, and later, secular governors emerged to uphold laws and manage economic and military activities. Wealth accumulation and political power were often passed down through families, creating a hierarchy of nobility, professional classes, peasantry, and the enslaved.
Thus, social stratification is a distinguishing characteristic of early civilizations, where individuals' social standing and wealth defined their access to education, political influence, and occupational opportunities.