What were the five classes (in order) of society during the “Neo-Confucian” era?

During the "Neo-Confucian" era in China, which reached its height during the Song and Ming dynasties, the social hierarchy was organized into a system known as the "Five Occupations" or "Five Classes" (Wu Chang). These classes were ranked hierarchically, and individuals were born into a particular class. The order of the five classes, from highest to lowest, was:

1. Scholars (Shi): This class consisted of educated individuals, including officials, scholars, and those who passed the imperial examinations. They were considered the elite of society and were often involved in government service.
2. Farmers (Nong): Farmers were regarded as the backbone of society, as they were responsible for producing food to sustain the population. Agriculture was highly valued in Confucian philosophy.
3. Artisans (Gong): Artisans were skilled craftsmen and workers who produced goods such as pottery, textiles, and tools. Their role was essential in providing the material needs of society.
4. Merchants (Shang): Merchants were involved in trade and commerce. While they were essential for economic activity, Confucian ideology traditionally viewed commerce as less honorable than agricultural or artisan work.
5. Laborers (Sheng): Laborers, also known as "mean people" or "mean occupations," performed manual and often physically demanding labor. This class included servants, entertainers, and other labor-intensive occupations.

It's important to note that while this system provided a framework for social organization, there were individuals who could move between classes, especially through success in the imperial examination system. Additionally, the actual implementation and strict adherence to this social hierarchy varied over time and across different regions of China.