What is required in a society for democracy to work

This is a very broad topic, but most political scientists would highlight three areas:

Education, Political Culture, Equal opportunities.

An educated society is much more likely to support the plurality of opinions needed for a healthy democracy. Educated citizens are not so easily manipulated.

A democratic political culture of respect and tolerance is also a must. People should be ready to accept when their candidates or opinions are not supported by a majority. Similarly, a majority should understand that democracy is not the dictatorship of a majority.  

Lastly, an unequal society might hinder democracy. Political choices are limited for those who face harder conditions.  

Explanation:

what the first or next guy says

most people were factory or company owners.