The landlord class is the main exploiting class and ruling class formed under the landlord system economy. They usually occupy land, do not work by themselves or only take part in a small amount of incidental labor, and mainly rely on exploiting farmers and squeezing land rent to make a living. In the social hierarchy, the landlord class has a specific class status and enjoys corresponding political and economic privileges.
Under the historical background of China, the landlord class has different names in different historical periods to reflect its social status and influence. For example, during the Han and Wei Dynasties, they were called powerful landlords. During the Sui and Tang Dynasties, they were called clan landlords. Song dynasty called it situational households; They were called gentry landlords in Ming and Qing Dynasties.
The landlord class is not only a privileged class in feudal society, but also enjoys the dual privileges of law and economy, and their status in society is usually relatively high. However, because they mainly rely on land rent income and do not need to engage in productive labor, they are also considered to be relatively inactive and have no future.
Compared with the bourgeoisie, the landlord class and the bourgeoisie have obvious differences in social functions and political ideas. For example, in order to facilitate the process of exploitation, the landlord class usually advocates strengthening control over society, culture and the exploited class.
Generally speaking, the landlord class is an important social stratum in feudal society, and they play a key role in economy, politics and society. However, their exploitative nature and social function also make them one of the focuses of social change and development.