Social Hierarchy: Roman society was highly stratified, with patricians (the upper class) occupying the highest ranks and plebians (the common people) forming the majority but holding less power and influence. Patricians controlled the political, economic, and religious institutions, viewing themselves as superior to plebians.
Limited Political Rights: Initially, plebians were excluded from holding high political offices such as the consulship, which was reserved for patricians. They had little say in government and legislation, making them politically marginalized.
Economic Disparities: Patricians often controlled vast wealth and resources, including large landholdings. Many plebians were farmers, artisans, merchants, or laborers who faced economic challenges and depended on the patrician class for employment and patronage. This economic inequality further reinforced social divisions.
Clientele System: The Roman patronage system (clientela) created a hierarchical relationship between wealthy individuals (patrons) and those seeking favors or protection (clients). Plebians were often clients of patricians, relying on their patrons for support, economic assistance, and legal representation. This dependence perpetuated the subordinate position of plebians.
Legal Disadvantages: Plebeians faced legal disadvantages compared to patricians. The early legal code, the Twelve Tables, was biased in favor of patricians and often interpreted to their advantage. Plebeians had limited access to justice and faced harsher punishments for offenses.
Conflicts and Secessions: The tensions between patricians and plebians led to several conflicts and secessions. The plebs sought greater rights and representation, threatening to withdraw from the city and establish their settlement. These conflicts ultimately led to concessions and reforms that improved the status of plebians.
Over time, through political struggles and reforms, plebians gradually gained more rights and privileges. The Licinio-Sextian Laws of 367 BCE, for example, allowed plebeians to hold the consulship, and other laws granted them access to various offices and religious positions. However, it took several centuries for plebians to achieve full legal and social equality with patricians.