The agrarian question under globalization

Cris Kay, AH Akram-Lodhi

Research output: Chapter/Conference proceedingChapterAcademic

Abstract

Maurice Dobb in 1963 argued that feudalism ended in England because of conflicting social relations between feudal lords and peasants: feudal exaction in the form of rents led to violent clashes with peasantry. The class struggle led to a change in production relations to allow the productive forces to grow. In 1976, Robert Brenner reopened the debate after studying the European transition more comprehensively and produced a much more rounded explanation within historical materialism. Brenner identified the development of private property rights and class differentiation as crucial moments that brought a resolution to the conflict. Private property rights, granted by the state, created incentives to lords to make improvements to their lands and enter clear contractual relations with the free peasantry leasing their lands. The agrarian production, accumulation and rural politic problematics have another dimension, namely the biophysical agro-ecological setting, which influences the assets, production process and class formation.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Agrarian Question
Subtitle of host publicationA Reader
EditorsR. V. Ramana Murthy
Place of PublicationAbingdon (Oxon)
PublisherRoutledge
Pages109-122
Number of pages14
ISBN (Electronic)9781000414196
ISBN (Print)9781032043746
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 17 Jun 2021

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2021 selection and editorial matter, R.V. Ramana Murthy; individual chapters, the contributors; and Aakar Books.

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