The New Peasantries, struggles for autonomy and sustainability in an era of empire and globalization

Research output: Book/ReportBookAcademic

Abstract

This book explores the position, role and significance of the peasantry in an era of globalization, particularly of the agrarian markets and food industries. It argues that the peasant condition is characterized by a struggle for autonomy that finds expression in the creation and development of a self-governed resource base and associated forms of sustainable development. In this respect the peasant mode of farming fundamentally differs from entrepreneurial and corporate ways of farming. The author demonstrates that the peasantries are far from waning. Instead, both industrialized and developing countries are witnessing complex and richly chequered processes of 're-peasantization', with peasants now numbering over a billion worldwide. The author's arguments are based on three longitudinal studies (in Peru, Italy and The Netherlands) that span 30 years and provide original and thought-provoking insights into rural and agrarian development processes. The book combines and integrates different bodies of literature: the rich traditions of peasant studies, development sociology, rural sociology, neo-institutional economics and the recently emerging debates on Empire.
Original languageEnglish
Place of PublicationLondon [etc.]
PublisherEarthscan
Number of pages356
ISBN (Print)9781844075584
Publication statusPublished - 2008

Keywords

  • peasantry
  • peasant farming
  • rural development
  • rural society
  • farmers
  • farming
  • farming systems
  • entrepreneurship
  • globalization
  • rural sociology
  • development studies
  • sustainability
  • food production
  • politics
  • agricultural policy
  • italy
  • netherlands
  • peru
  • landscape management

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The New Peasantries, struggles for autonomy and sustainability in an era of empire and globalization'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this