ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the role and significance of the lower classes in the development of medieval society. It provides structural analysis of medieval society and civilization was primarily concerned with the problem of usage of ideal types and concepts and the specific meaning of the relevant words in Latin and from national sources of the middle Ages. The chapter shows that factors of modern and contemporary history and evolution were also decisive in the rise of European society and civilization during the so called High Middle Ages. The poverty movement from the eleventh to the thirteenth century was a religious, a spiritual and a social phenomenon. It was born out of dissatisfaction with the social system of feudalism, with the feudal way of life of the ruling bishops and with the ancient mixture of worldly and transcendent elements. It was the expression of a desire for freedom and a preference for spirituality.
