Question

bellringer
complete in your notebook
why were merchants the lowest status in japanese feudal society, even though they controlled wealth? (answer must reference the lack of production)

Explanation:

In Japanese feudal society, the social hierarchy was based on Confucian - influenced values that emphasized production. Merchants were seen as non - producers as they mainly engaged in the exchange of goods produced by farmers, artisans, etc. They did not contribute directly to the creation of material goods, which was highly valued in the feudal order.

Answer:

Merchants were considered the lowest status in Japanese feudal society despite controlling wealth because they were non - producers. The feudal social hierarchy, influenced by Confucian values, placed a high premium on those who contributed to the production of goods like farmers and artisans, while merchants, who only facilitated the exchange of these goods, were looked down upon.