 Wang Gen was able to give philosophical lectures to many commoners from different regions because – following the trend already apparent in the Song dynasty – communities in Ming society were becoming less isolated as the distance between market towns was shrinking . Schools , descent groups , religious associations , and other local voluntary organizations were increasing in number and allowing more contact between educated men and local villagers . Jonathan Spence writes that the distinction between what was town and country was blurred in Ming China , since suburban areas with farms were located just outside and in some cases within the walls of a city . Not only was the blurring of town and country evident , but also of socioeconomic class in the traditional four occupations ( Chinese : 士農工商 ) , since artisans sometimes worked on farms in peak periods , and farmers often traveled into the city to find work during times of dearth . 
