Sociological Aspects of the Low-Income Farm Problem

Abstract

THIS paper has been prepared with the assumption that although primary attention will be given to farm operators and their families in the United States, the farm labor group may legitimately be considered as a part of the low-income farm problem. It also assumes that other papers in this session and recently issued reports describe in detail the number and distribution of the contemporary low-income farm population and its major demographic and economic characteristics.' Accordingly, this paper is limited (a) to some comments on the low-income concept, (b) to a brief analysis of the low-income farm in the United States when viewed in historical perspective and (c) to reviewing some implications of sociological theory and research for measures to alleviate the low-income farm problem. The point of view to be developed may be summarized in this way: (1) Specific agreement remains to be reached on the low-income concept. (2) However conceptualized, the low-income farm group is basically heterogeneous and represents multiple problems. (3) The concentration of low-income farmers in certain problem areas has been persistent. (4) The causes of this persistence include certain institutional and cultural barriers to social change. (5) Change to reduce the incidence and the concentration of low-income farmers may be facilitated both by indirect impersonal social forces and by direct action. (6) Sociological theory and research indicates both barriers and aids to effectively working directly with the low-income group. Concepts Low income. The concept of 'low-income farmer is itself relatively new, finding little expression in the United States before the early 1930's.2