Final answer:
The Ming Dynasty saw a Confucian revival affecting social structures, with a rise of Neo-Confucianism and changes in social hierarchy emphasizing merit and education, leading to a class of influential mandarins and greater social mobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
Social Structure of the Ming Dynasty
The re-establishment of Confucianism during the Ming Dynasty led to significant changes in the social structure of the era. The Ming Dynasty witnessed a revival of Confucianism whereby a new strand, known as Neo-Confucianism, emerged and became the state orthodoxy by 1313. This revival influenced the social hierarchy, shifting it from an aristocratic society to one that recognized earned ranks through merit. Clans turned to Confucian ideology to maintain their power and wealth and to provide a robust organizational structure for their vast properties.
During the Ming Dynasty, social rank came to be associated with earned merits such as educational attainment, particularly through the rigorous imperial examination system. This led to the creation of a new class of scholar-officials known as mandarins, who played pivotal roles in the civil service and administration. Scholars like Zhu Xi and Wang Yangming further developed Confucian thought, advocating for education and innate morality, respectively, shaping the overall philosophical and social environments of the time.
However, this change was not met with universal acceptance. The growth of commercial activity and the resulting societal changes led to varying degrees of income disparity and consequent social discontent. Yet, the Ming Dynasty’s adoption of a meritocratic system allowed for greater social mobility compared to previous dynasties, marking a significant transformation in the societal structure.