Final answer:
In Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley, social roles were varied based on occupation, with a strict hierarchy in place.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley, the social roles varied based on occupation. There was a strict hierarchy in these societies, with different classes having different roles and responsibilities. In Mesopotamia, for example, there were four primary social classes: the aristocratic elite, the commoners (which included free peasants, farmers, artisans, and merchants), the semi-free peasants, and the enslaved. The nobility occupied the highest position and controlled large estates, while the enslaved were at the bottom of the social ladder.
In Egypt, there was also a strict social hierarchy, with the pharaoh at the top, followed by the nobles and priests, the scribes and government officials, the artisans and craftsmen, and finally the farmers and laborers. The social classes were hereditary, meaning that individuals inherited their social status from their parents.
In the Indus Valley, the social structure is not as well-documented, but archaeological evidence suggests the presence of a hierarchical society. There were wealthy merchants and rulers who enjoyed a higher social status, while artisans and craftsmen were highly skilled and respected. Farmers and laborers made up the majority of the population and played an important role in sustaining the economy.