The Renaissance Social Class Structure and Daily Life

Divisions based on religion, birthright, income, occupation, education, talent, and political power have always existed in societies. These divisions are referred to as social classes. One can identify lower, middle and upper classes, defined by birthright, income, occupations, education and power. The term social mobility refers to the likelihood or ability of a person to move up from one social class to another. Using both primary and secondary sources this lesson introduces students to aspects of the social order that existed during the Renaissance. Discussion questions and extension activities challenge them to use that knowledge to make determinations regarding who was who in Renaissance society and whether there was any social mobility.