Advantages and disadvantage of feledalism

Feudalism Defined
Feudalism was a social and political system practiced in Europe, Japan and China during the Middle Ages. It was a mutual agreement between a lord and his subordinates. In the middle of the hierarchy were the lord's vassals. These people were nobility who swore an oath of loyalty to their lord. It was essentially a contract created for mutual benefit. In exchange for some land and protection, vassals were required to provide a certain amount of military service. This exchange granted security for vassals and significant financial gains for their lord. At the bottom of the pyramid were the serfs. Serfs were peasants who worked the land and provided surplus goods and taxes to the lord and his vassals.

Advantages,
A general advantage of feudalism was the stability that it brought. Serfs supported the infrastructure by providing essential goods and services. This, combined with an organized system of protection, helped maintain a steady balance that kept the kingdoms running. Although this system was instrumental for social order, the true advantages were felt by the lord and his close associates. They enjoyed vast material gain at the expense of the serfs.

Disadvantages
In a system so divided between rich and poor, the peasants were the ones who felt the disadvantages of feudalism. Serfs made a subsistence living in which they had to forfeit virtually everything to keep their homes. Compounding that hardship were the often heavy taxes that these individuals had to pay. The serfs also had no rights or independence. The church and the lords were the judge and jury when it came to legal matters.