Journal article

Publication year: 2002

Pages: 446-467

Journal: Berichte über Landwirtschaft

Volume number: 80

Issue number: 3

ISSN: 0005-9080

Publisher: Kohlhammer

Abstract: 

This paper focuses on the social influence on land use. This influence - which is mainly directly communicated - is studied by the social network analysis clarifying connections between the structure of village communication and the infrastructure of the village. Clubs, school and newcomers have been identified to be the most important factors of infrastructure. With regard to the subject agriculture one can differentiate between "friend" and "expert". In contrast to common village events which are everyday subjects and talked about with friends and household members, agriculture has become an expert subject.

The farmers with their individual and incorporated values contribute to a village pattern of values and norms (Common Sense). This Common Sense determines the direction of the communication network and consequently influences individual decision making.

Results from a narrative interview study reveal that the farmers' Common Sense follows a conserved and partly even traditional image of a tidy agriculture, the current mainstream of further reduction or retirement as well as socially influenced attitudes of specific land use. Village peculiarities and problems are part of this Common Sense, too. Altogether these factors can be described as a kind of "action track", followed by the farmers' individual actions. The tolerance of the participating farmers determines the width of this track, since conform action is approved and deviation is punished by gradual exclusion from the communication among the farmers.

Harvard Citation style: Retter, C., Stahr, K. and Boland, H. (2002) The task of farmers in village communication networks, Berichte über Landwirtschaft, 80(3), pp. 446-467

APA Citation style: Retter, C., Stahr, K., & Boland, H. (2002). The task of farmers in village communication networks. Berichte über Landwirtschaft. 80(3), 446-467.