There were a patrician rank and other social orders in cities in Western Europe in the Middle Ages.Social orders were the result of urban economic development and income differentiation.The patrician rank did not have eminent legal position,but it had great political privileges and monopolized the political power for a long time in some cities.It had a strong self consciousness of hierarchy and special ways of life.It also enjoyed virtually economic and social privileges.Compared with it,other social orders were in a weaker position in many ways especially in politics.There were both conflicts and transformation between the social orders.
