Peasants, Entrepreneurs, And Social Change

This insightful exploration of post-revolutionary Bolivia analyzes the contradictions in capitalist development, focusing on rural settlers and their evolving roles. Peasants, Entrepreneurs, And Social Change provides a nuanced perspective.

In Peasants, Entrepreneurs, And Social Change, the author delves into the complex dynamics of capitalist development in Bolivia after the 1952 revolution. This period marked a significant shift as both state and international aid agencies focused on channeling resources towards regional elites. The emphasis was on fostering large-scale cash-crop agriculture in the lowland frontier, a strategy that aimed to modernize the agricultural landscape. However, this approach led to a series of contradictions that shaped the socio-economic fabric of the region.

The book highlights the pivotal role played by rural settlers during this transformative era. While large-scale agriculture was promoted, many smaller farmers found themselves navigating a changing environment that often marginalized their interests. The author provides a nuanced analysis of how these rural communities adapted to the pressures of capitalist expansion, sometimes aligning with entrepreneurial efforts while at other times resisting them.

Through a detailed examination of the last thirty years, Peasants, Entrepreneurs, And Social Change offers insights into the broader implications of development policies in Bolivia. It invites readers to consider the interplay between state initiatives and grassroots realities, revealing the ongoing struggle for agency among rural populations in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.