During Shang dynasty, the society was divided into different social classes. These were:
(1) the king and aristocracy, who held the highest position in the society and was responsible in governing areas in the dynasty;
(2) the military or the warriors, which was responsible in protecting the dynasty and were next in line in the social class;
(3) the middle class, composed of craftsmen and artisans, were workers of the dynasty and were paid with bronze;
(4) lastly, the peasants or farmers, who were responsible in toiling land.