Beyond "State vs. Society": Theories of the State and New Deal Agricultural Policies

Abstract

Political sociologists studying social classes, state structures, and public policies are engaged in a debate between society-centered and theories. We challenge the state-centered approach by analyzing the interrelationship of state and society, focusing on the convergence of state institutional capacity and class capacity. We explore the social origins of state-building in U.S. agriculture and show the historical class biases of state agricultural institutions. Through an examination of the majorNewDealfarm policy themes, particularly the rise andfall of reform in the AgriculturalAdjustmentAdministration and the Resettlement/Farm Security Administration, we demonstrate the interdependence of state and society. We analyze statelsociety relations as they affected each agency and examine class conflict both within and beyond the state. Instead of assuming the separation of the state and social forces, we investigate how they interact to shape policy.