Agrarianism is a social and political philosophy that emphasizes the importance of agriculture and rural life in shaping society. It values the rural lifestyle, small-scale farming, and self-sufficiency, and often opposes urbanization and industrialization. Agrarianism has deep historical roots and has significantly influenced the development of human societies throughout history.
What is the meaning of agrarianism?
The term “agrarianism” is derived from the Latin word “ager,” meaning “field” or “land.” It has its roots in the agricultural societies of ancient civilizations, where the majority of the population was engaged in farming and the land was considered a vital resource.
Agrarianism is a social, economic, and political philosophy that emphasizes the importance of agriculture and rural life. It advocates for the preservation and promotion of agriculture as the foundation of society and the economy. Agrarianism generally supports small-scale farming, local self-sufficiency, and the preservation of agrarian traditions and values.
When did humans become agrarian?
Humans became agrarian at different times in different parts of the world. The shift from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to agriculture began around 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent (an area that includes modern-day Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan), and gradually spread to other regions of the world over the next few millennia.
The development of agriculture was a gradual process that took place over thousands of years. It involved a range of innovations, including the domestication of plants and animals, the development of irrigation systems, and the use of ploughs and other tools.
In some parts of the world, such as the Americas and Australia, agriculture was only developed relatively recently, within the last few thousand years. In other parts of the world, such as parts of Africa and Asia, some societies continued to rely primarily on hunting and gathering until relatively recent times.
It’s worth noting that even after the development of agriculture, many societies continued to practice a mixed economy, combining agriculture with hunting, gathering, and other activities. The shift to a purely agricultural way of life was a gradual process that took place over many centuries.
Historical Roots of Agrarianism
Agrarianism can be traced back to the earliest human civilizations, which were primarily agricultural societies. As societies evolved, the importance of agriculture in providing sustenance and stability became apparent. The agricultural way of life was often seen as superior to the urban lifestyle, which was associated with vice, corruption, and moral decay. This view was shared by many ancient philosophers and thinkers, giving rise to agrarianism as a distinct philosophical tradition.
Ancient Agricultural Societies
Some of the earliest expressions of agrarianism can be found in ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, and the Indus Valley. These civilizations were supported by extensive agricultural systems, which provided a stable food supply and allowed for the development of complex societies. Agriculture was central to the religious, social, and political systems of these societies. The fertility of the land and the productivity of the agricultural systems were seen as signs of divine favour, and the rulers of these civilizations were often seen as intermediaries between the gods and the people.
Classical Agrarianism
In the classical world, agrarianism played a significant role in shaping the political and philosophical landscape. In ancient Greece, the philosopher Hesiod extolled the virtues of the pastoral life in his poem “Works and Days.” Plato and Aristotle also saw the agricultural way of life as ideal, with the latter arguing that agrarian societies were more stable and less prone to political upheaval.
In ancient Rome, the agrarian ideal was embodied by the concept of the “Roman farmer,” who was seen as the backbone of Roman society. The Roman statesman and philosopher Cicero argued that agriculture was the foundation of Roman civilization and that the decline of small-scale farming was a sign of societal decay. This view was later echoed by the Roman historian Livy, who lamented the decline of the traditional Roman way of life in the face of urbanization and the concentration of land in the hands of a few wealthy landowners.
Medieval and Early Modern Agrarianism
During the medieval period, agrarianism continued to shape the social and political landscape of Europe. The feudal system was essentially an agrarian system, with land and agricultural production at the centre of political power. The Church also played a significant role in promoting the agrarian ideal, with monasteries often serving as centres of agricultural innovation and productivity.
In the early modern period, agrarianism found expression in the works of English writers such as Thomas More and William Shakespeare. More’s “Utopia” (1516) depicted a fictional society based on small-scale farming and communal ownership of land, while Shakespeare’s pastoral comedies celebrated the virtues of rural life. The “Diggers” movement, led by Gerrard Winstanley during the English Civil War, sought to establish a utopian agrarian society based on principles of land redistribution and communal ownership.
Core Beliefs and Values of Agrarianism
Agrarianism is a diverse and multifaceted philosophy, encompassing a wide range of beliefs and values.
However, some core principles are common to most expressions of agrarianism:
1. The Importance of Agriculture
Agrarianism places a strong emphasis on the importance of agriculture in shaping human societies. It sees agriculture as the foundation of civilization, providing sustenance, stability, and a connection to the natural world. Agrarianism often opposes urbanization and industrialization, which are seen as disrupting the natural balance and leading to environmental degradation and social dislocation.
2. The Virtues of Rural Life
Agrarianism values the virtues of the rural lifestyle, including hard work, self-sufficiency, and a close connection to the land. It often idealizes the rural way of life as morally superior to the urban lifestyle, which is associated with vice, corruption, and moral decay. Agrarianism seeks to promote the values of simplicity, frugality, and stewardship of the land.
3. Land Ownership and Distribution
Agrarianism is often concerned with issues of land ownership and distribution. It generally advocates for widespread land ownership, seeing this as essential for social stability and the preservation of rural values. Agrarianism often opposes the concentration of land in the hands of a few wealthy individuals or corporations, arguing that this leads to the erosion of rural communities and the decline of the agricultural way of life.
4. Environmental Stewardship
Agrarianism emphasizes the importance of environmental stewardship, recognizing the interconnectedness of human beings and the natural world. It believes that sustainable agriculture is essential for the long-term well-being of both human societies and the environment. Agrarianism often promotes traditional farming practices and organic methods as a way to protect the environment and maintain the fertility of the land.
5. Community and Self-Sufficiency
Agrarianism values strong local communities and self-sufficiency as keys to a healthy society. It sees the decline of rural communities and the loss of traditional skills as harmful to both individuals and society as a whole. Agrarianism supports local food production, small-scale farming, and the preservation of rural traditions as a way to foster community and self-sufficiency.
Varieties of Agrarianism
Throughout history, agrarianism has taken different forms and has been expressed in various ways, depending on the specific historical and cultural context. Some of the major varieties of agrarianism include:
1. Traditional Agrarianism
Traditional agrarianism is rooted in the historical experience of agricultural societies and seeks to preserve the values and way of life associated with rural communities. It often emphasizes the importance of tradition, family, and localism in maintaining the vitality of rural life.
2. Radical Agrarianism
Radical agrarianism seeks to fundamentally transform society based on agrarian principles. It often calls for the redistribution of land, the dismantling of large-scale industrial agriculture, and the creation of new social and economic systems centred on small-scale farming and local food production.
3. Agrarian Utopianism
Agrarian utopianism envisions an ideal society based on agrarian principles. It often combines elements of both traditional and radical agrarianism, imagining a world in which agriculture is the foundation of a harmonious, just, and environmentally sustainable society. Examples of agrarian utopian movements include the Diggers movement in 17th-century England and the various intentional communities founded throughout history.
4. Agrarian Conservatism
Agrarian conservatism is a political ideology that emphasizes the importance of rural values and agricultural interests in shaping public policy. It often seeks to protect and promote small-scale farming and rural communities, arguing that these are essential for the preservation of national identity and social stability.
5. Agrarian Environmentalism
Agrarian environmentalism focuses on the role of agriculture in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability. It advocates for sustainable farming practices, organic agriculture, and the preservation of rural landscapes as a way to protect the environment and maintain the long-term viability of agricultural systems.
Agrarianism in the Modern World
In today’s increasingly urbanized and globalized world, agrarianism remains a relevant and influential philosophy. The challenges of industrial agriculture, environmental degradation, and the decline of rural communities have led many people to reevaluate the importance of agriculture and the rural way of life.
1. Local Food Movement
One of the most visible expressions of agrarianism in the modern world is the local food movement, which seeks to promote small-scale farming, local food production, and community self-sufficiency. This movement has gained significant momentum in recent years, with the growth of farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, and farm-to-table restaurants.
2. Organic and Sustainable Agriculture Movement
Agrarianism has also played a significant role in the development of the organic and sustainable agriculture movement. This movement seeks to promote environmentally friendly farming practices and the preservation of agricultural diversity as a way to address the challenges of industrial agriculture and ensure the long-term viability of the food system.
3. New Agrarianism
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in agrarianism as a philosophy and way of life, particularly among younger generations. This “new agrarianism” seeks to adapt traditional agrarian values and principles to the modern world, promoting a return to small-scale farming, local food production, and environmental stewardship as a way to address the challenges of the 21st century.
What is agrarianism in US history?
Agrarianism in US history refers to a political and social movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, advocating for the rights and interests of farmers and rural communities. The movement was a response to the rapid industrialization and urbanization that took place during this period, which left farmers struggling with a range of economic, social, and political problems.
Agrarianism was characterized by a set of ideals and beliefs that emphasized the importance of agriculture, rural life, and traditional values. Supporters of the movement believed that small-scale farming was the backbone of American society and that farmers were the most productive and independent citizens. They also believed that a strong agricultural sector was essential for the economic and social well-being of the nation.
Agrarianism in US history was also closely associated with the Populist movement, which sought to address the concerns of farmers and other working-class Americans. Populists advocated for a range of reforms, including the regulation of monopolies, the creation of a graduated income tax, and the direct election of senators.
Overall, agrarianism in US history played an important role in shaping the country’s political and economic landscape, and its influence can still be seen in contemporary debates over issues such as agricultural policy, rural development, and income inequality.
Conclusion
Agrarianism is a rich and diverse philosophical tradition that has significantly influenced human societies throughout history. Its core principles – the importance of agriculture, the virtues of rural life, the equitable distribution of land, environmental stewardship, and community self-sufficiency – remain relevant in today’s world, offering potential solutions to the challenges of urbanization, industrial agriculture, and environmental degradation.
While the specific expressions of agrarianism have evolved, its core values continue to resonate with many people and inspire movements such as the local food movement, the organic and sustainable agriculture movement, and the new agrarianism. Through these and other expressions, agrarianism continues to shape the way we think about agriculture, the environment, and the future of human societies.
