Peasants in Revolt

A Chilean Case Study, 1965–1971

Nonfiction, History, Americas, South America, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Sociology
Cover of the book Peasants in Revolt by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino, University of Texas Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino ISBN: 9781477304587
Publisher: University of Texas Press Publication: November 6, 2014
Imprint: University of Texas Press Language: English
Author: James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
ISBN: 9781477304587
Publisher: University of Texas Press
Publication: November 6, 2014
Imprint: University of Texas Press
Language: English
Based on extended interviews at the Culiprán fundo in Chile with peasants who recount in their own terms their political evolution, this is an in-depth study of peasants in social and political action. It deals with two basic themes: first, the authoritarian structure within a traditional latifundio and its eventual replacement by a peasant-based elected committee, and second, the events shaping the emergence of political consciousness among the peasantry. Petras and Zemelman Merino trace the careers of local peasant leaders, followers, and opponents of the violent illegal land seizure in 1965 and the events that triggered the particular action.The findings of this study challenge the oft-accepted assumption that peasants represent a passive, traditional, downtrodden group capable only of following urban-based elites. The peasant militants, while differing considerably in their ability to grasp complex political and social problems, show a great deal of political skill, calculate rationally on the possibility of success, and select and manipulate political allies on the basis of their own primary needs. The politicized peasantry lend their allegiance to those forces with whom they anticipate they have the most to gain—and under circumstances that minimize social costs. The authors identify the highly repressive political culture within the latifundio—reinforced by the national political system—as the key factor inhibiting overt expressions of political demands.The emergence of revolutionary political consciousness is found to be the result of cumulative experiences and the breakdown of traditional institutions of control. The violent illegal seizure of the farm is perceived by the peasantry as a legitimate act based on self-interest as well as general principles of justice—in other words, the seizure is perceived as a “natural act,” suggesting that perhaps two sets of moralities functioned within the traditional system.The book is divided into two parts: the first part contains a detailed analysis of peasant behavior; the second contains transcriptions of peasant interviews. Combined, they give the texture and flavor of insurgent peasant politics.
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Based on extended interviews at the Culiprán fundo in Chile with peasants who recount in their own terms their political evolution, this is an in-depth study of peasants in social and political action. It deals with two basic themes: first, the authoritarian structure within a traditional latifundio and its eventual replacement by a peasant-based elected committee, and second, the events shaping the emergence of political consciousness among the peasantry. Petras and Zemelman Merino trace the careers of local peasant leaders, followers, and opponents of the violent illegal land seizure in 1965 and the events that triggered the particular action.The findings of this study challenge the oft-accepted assumption that peasants represent a passive, traditional, downtrodden group capable only of following urban-based elites. The peasant militants, while differing considerably in their ability to grasp complex political and social problems, show a great deal of political skill, calculate rationally on the possibility of success, and select and manipulate political allies on the basis of their own primary needs. The politicized peasantry lend their allegiance to those forces with whom they anticipate they have the most to gain—and under circumstances that minimize social costs. The authors identify the highly repressive political culture within the latifundio—reinforced by the national political system—as the key factor inhibiting overt expressions of political demands.The emergence of revolutionary political consciousness is found to be the result of cumulative experiences and the breakdown of traditional institutions of control. The violent illegal seizure of the farm is perceived by the peasantry as a legitimate act based on self-interest as well as general principles of justice—in other words, the seizure is perceived as a “natural act,” suggesting that perhaps two sets of moralities functioned within the traditional system.The book is divided into two parts: the first part contains a detailed analysis of peasant behavior; the second contains transcriptions of peasant interviews. Combined, they give the texture and flavor of insurgent peasant politics.

More books from University of Texas Press

Cover of the book Civil War General and Indian Fighter James M. Williams by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
Cover of the book Birds without a Nest by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
Cover of the book The Fate of Earthly Things by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
Cover of the book A Perfectly Good Guitar by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
Cover of the book Urban Chroniclers in Modern Latin America by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
Cover of the book Texas Amphibians by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
Cover of the book The Viceregency of Antonio María Bucareli in New Spain, 1771–1779 by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
Cover of the book Brown Tide Rising by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
Cover of the book Places for Dead Bodies by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
Cover of the book Storming the City by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
Cover of the book Life of the Marlows by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
Cover of the book In the Shadow of the Mexican Revolution by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
Cover of the book Beautiful TV by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
Cover of the book Betting the Farm on a Drought by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
Cover of the book The Masks of Tragedy by James Petras, Hugo Zemelman Merino
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy