Sir Thomas More coined his book Utopia in 1516 to describe a fictional society on an island that possessed highly desirable qualities for its people in the New World. This society was described as perfect because of the peaceful nature that the society and its environs manifested. In this society, every member is happy, and everything works out well. A utopian society is the complete opposite of a dystopian society. Utopian society had equality for its members in education, employment, and healthcare facilities. This essay covers a complex utopian world from the economic background to the death.
Utopians produced an abundance of goods that facilitated the whole country. They exported goods, and they received gold and silver in exchange, which could play a major role in hiring mercenaries during war. The only product that Utopians import is iron. This means that society is self-sufficient. The country has warehouses to stock surplus goods in crop failure or climatic changes. Utopian society had a huge amount of treasure that was state-owned, but the surplus was used to make chamber pots of gold and chains as well as ornaments and playthings. The economic state of this society was dope, and money was eliminated. The social structure of the Utopian society had no social class system, no hereditary hierarchies except for men who were the head of families. Society had rigid family structures where almost all were equal. No one is more superior to the other. The community is described as a proto-communist social structure.
Utopian society served different types of punishment to convicts. One of the significant forms of punishment for odious crimes is slavery. The type of punishment depends on the magistrate, that is, if the offense is national. In the family unit, the husbands, the head of the family, corrected their wives, and both parents advised and chastised the kids. The laws within this society are very few. The state has no lawyers; instead, the accused will defend themselves save a lot of time, and make it easy for the judge to decide on their verdict. The officials in this society related well with the people and even dressed friendly that no one could notice. The attire of officials such as magistrates and the prince were plain clothes with no distinguishing sheaf of grain. The officials were just and incorruptible. They treated their members with equality and fairness. The utopian government is a democratic one, and the people would choose a leader of their choice, whether in the high or low levels.
Concerning marriage, utopian society allowed men to marry after attaining the age of 22 and women 18. Those who engaged in irresponsible sexual behavior before marriage were punished, and this would serve as an example to the rest. Before marriage, the bride is brought forth naked by the sedate matron and presented to the groom, and the groom is also given naked to the bride before the two parties decide. The inspection was a factor in choosing a life partner. In the matters of divorce, it was prohibited unless in cases of adultery or unfulfillment of one party. When the couples are incompatible, they are given permission to separate after seeking consent from the Senate, though it was rare to be accepted. Adultery was punishable by slavery, and the other party that is cheated on is permitted to remarry. The utopian families and society supported the permanence of matrimony. Child-rearing was a responsibility to the parents. The women give birth to the children and are raised by both parents, but women would chastise the children and teach them to be responsible.
Through education, the citizens of utopia mold their values and depositions. Most of the citizens of utopia performed manual labor as their profession, which included making ornaments and chamber pots. During their leisure time, the citizens would follow intellectual pursuits to learn more about technology and science. The utopians do not believe in astrology but understand music, geometry, and logic as Europeans. Utopians lived harmoniously, and they could think independently since the state did not enforce laws for them. There are no cases of oppression, poverty, and anarchy like in the case of dystopia.
In conclusion, a utopia world is naïve, idealistic, and almost impossible to achieve in society. Utopia is characterized by a peaceful environment, access to employment, healthcare, education, equality among citizens, and a safe environment. It’s a world that no one would wish to die since everything is almost perfect from birth to death, from the government to the citizens and family structure. Utopia has an excellent economy that does not use money. It uses its goods in plenty to raise its economy. The exported goods are paid with gold and silver, making the state very rich economically. Utopian society had a considerable amount of treasure that was state-owned, but the surplus was used to make chamber pots of gold and chains as well as ornaments and playthings. The economic state of this society was dope, and money was eliminated. The social structure of the Utopian society had no social class system, no hereditary hierarchies except for men who were the head of families.
Work Cited
Davis, James Colin. Utopia and the ideal society: A study of English romantic writing 1516-1700. Cambridge University Press, 1983. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=P5T-LVB-6tIC&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=utopian+society&ots=JSDLTICLSX&sig=LMXzzUcyo7GStZWvXTyOUCSJngM
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