Peasant power structures from "summary" of Peasants by Eric R. Wolf
Peasant power structures are social organizations that can influence the lives of people living in rural areas. These structures are formed by the people and can determine how resources are distributed and the level of representation in decision-making.- Despite the rigid and oppressive power dynamics prevalent in agrarian societies, peasant populations occasionally demonstrated a collective strength that rivaled older feudal institutions. Through small but significant acts of collective resistance and open revolts, peasants asserted rights over powers of authority when deemed their familial livelihoods were compromised.
- In pre-industrialized societies, social stratification and power structures were often determined by class lines. Peasants, typically at the bottom of an economic hierarchy, found themselves subjected to various taxes and liable for performing servile labour.
- The significance of folk culture, folklore, stories, religion and language has been acknowledged for its role in unifying and empowering rural peasants. As each region held distinct cultural customs, these provided a space for solidarity between villages in disputes with state authorities.
