Social Classes During The Elizabethan Era (Essay Sample)

There were several social classes during the Elizabethian Era but some of them were poor. The social classes consisted of the Nobility, the Gentry, the Yeomanry, and the Poor. Your social class determined what you could do. One’s social class was determined by how one looked. A person's class determined how they could dress, where they could live, and the kinds of jobs people and their children could get.

For the peasant class, life was very harsh. They had hardly any money and did not have any place in society at that time. They were considered outcasts and were paid very little attention to. Peasants had basic jobs such as farming, tradesmen, craftsmen, and carpenters(Leicestershirevillages 8). Peasants made around 2 pounds in a day for the job that they had. The clothes that peasants wore were called “ knickers”. Often times peasants would make their own clothes for their families and friends.

The commoners were considered the largest class during Elizabethan England. This class was considered to be part of the lower to the middle class. Their jobs were the same as peasants but they were paid more often. Most commoners were paid 4 to 6d in a day. The commoner's life was not as harsh as peasants. They were recognized more and considered “ hired help”.  Men had most things to do. They could buy land from people and become landowners. Men also had more options for jobs than women did in this class. Women mainly stayed in the house and did household chores. There were very few opportunities for people to move up from this social class. Most times it was impossible for them to move up in class.

The gentry were involved in the ownership of large plantations and slaves. The gentry were the elite people of the countryside. They lived off of rents paid by their tenants. The gentry usually never did any manual labor to support their family. Normally they were tenants to greater people than themselves. The most common job of the gentry was to be an officer. The officer was given power over being paid with money. They ruled the household of the common people. The gentry was considered to be the backbone of England at that time. 

The courtiers were a loyal staff to the queen to help her govern the people. The court had some of the best jobs during this time, The jobs were literary scholars, mathematicians, scientists, astronomers, and philosophers.