Neo-feudalism in Latin America? Globalisation, agribusiness, and land re-concentration in Chile

Dados Bibliográficos

ID2158223
AutoresWarwick E Murray (0000-0002-2597-3779, autor correspondente)
Ano2006
Volume33
Fascículo4
Páginas646-677
Data de publicação2006-10-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessNão
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoThe Journal of Peasant Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0306-6150 • E-ISSN: 1743-9361
EditoraInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/03066150601152281
OpenAlexW2131862277
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas36
Referências citadas48

This article traces the effects of globalisation on an export-oriented 'hotspot' in Chile's non-traditional agricultural export sector. Drawing on evidence from fieldwork carried out in 1994 and in 2004/5, the analysis examines the impact of neoliberal policy over the past two decades. Although the fruit export sector is seen as a key success story of the Chilean economy, and is an area to which small producers are often encouraged to 'reconvert', it is argued here that the outcome has been land re-concentration, marginalisation and proletarianisation. Small farmers become increasingly locked into dependent relationships with larger landowners and agribusiness, whilst others form a rural proletariat that serves these concerns. Whilst some commentators have labelled this process 'semi' or 'neo' feudalism, this article maintains that we are witnessing a deepening fragmentation of the peasantry driven by the continued development of capitalism. The gains of the earlier land reform period are being eroded as rural Chile differentiates and depeasantisation unfolds

Agribusiness · Agriculture · Capitalism · Economics · Economy · Feudalism · Geography · Globalization · Land reform · Latin Americans · Market economy · Political science · Proletariat · Restructuring · Agriculture, Land Use, Rural Development · Global trade, sustainability, and social impact · Political Economy and Marxism