How did the social structure of Mesoamerican societies typically organize its people?

Mesoamerican societies organized their people into various classes with distinct roles, making the correct answer focused on this hierarchical structure. These societies, such as the Maya, Aztec, and Olmec, had complex social hierarchies that typically included rulers, priests, warriors, merchants, artisans, and farmers. Each class had specific responsibilities and privileges, which contributed to the overall functioning and stability of the society.

For instance, the ruling class held the political power and religious authority, while the priestly class managed the spiritual life of the community. Merchants facilitated trade and communication with other regions, artisans contributed to cultural production through their crafts, and farmers provided the essential agricultural goods to support society. This social stratification allowed for the specialization of labor and the development of distinct cultural and economic practices.

In contrast, a single class system would lack the differentiation necessary for complex societies to function effectively. Moreover, organizing by geographical location alone would ignore the intricate roles individuals played within their communities. Lastly, a structure based solely on age and gender would not sufficiently capture the various professional and social roles that defined Mesoamerican societies. Therefore, the organization into multiple classes with specified roles accurately reflects the complexities of Mesoamerican social structures.