THE PRESERVATION OF PEASANTRY IN THE BREJO PARAIBANO AREA

Abstract

This work examines the internal characteristics of small agricultural units and the role of the State as a stimulator of modernization and the reproduction and preservation of rural peasantry. The families that were studied live in two counties of the Brejo Paraibano micro-region, São Sebastião de Lagoa de Roca and Aréia. The analysis concentrates on life histories that were obtained during fieldwork in November, 1980, and May, 1981. It took into consideration agricultural policies and development programs. A model of peasant internal differentiation was developed in accordance with land size, investment in cattle, fertilizer use, hired labor use, production, types of flour-producing mills, and ownership of vehicles. A contrast was verified in the subsistence standards of both communities. It was noted that State intervention and agricultural modernization in the region work, together with survival strategies of the agricultural units, toward avoiding migration from the region.