How does historical materialism explain the relationship between economic systems and social structures?

Historical materialism is a way of understanding how the economy shapes society. It suggests that the way goods are produced and distributed influences how people live, work, and interact with each other. For example, in a society where agriculture is the main economic activity, people may live in rural areas and have strong ties to their families and local communities. As economies evolve, like moving from farming to industrial work, social structures change too, leading to different lifestyles and relationships among people. This shows that the economic system is a foundation that supports and shapes the social world around it.