Marx suggests that each class society in history has its own type of economic base and its own superstructure of institutions, shaped by the economic base. Below is a list of some of the characteristics of feudal society.
You should consider how each part of the superstructure is particularly suited to economic production in such a land-based society.
| Institution | Characteristics |
| Family | Large families with many children. Children work from a young age. |
| Laws | Many laws about rights to grazing, hunting, movement, bearing arms. Nobility and serfs have different rights |
| Education | No education for serfs. Work skills learned from family. Some nobility have limited education; a few, mainly clergy, have extensive education. |
| Stratification | Mobility from one class or status to another is very limited, almost none. |
| Politics | Power held by the nobles. No democracy. Power based mainly on military strength. Church has its own laws and courts. |
