Why Were Merchants Seen as a Low Class?

Artisans and workers often worked directly for the state or gentry. Merchants were ranked lower because they were seen as unproductive leeches by the Confucians.

Why were the merchants considered a low class?

Merchants were eighth on the Tokugawa class hierarchy and third of the commoner classes. Merchants were placed at the very bottom of the official system because they did not produce any goods, and due to their low status, were forced to hustle trading local and regional goods.

Why did merchants have a lower social status than peasants?

Despite the workers' lower status, they often earned more than peasants. Artisans and workers often worked directly for the state or gentry. Merchants were ranked lower because they were seen as unproductive leeches by the Confucians.