The peasantry and its historical role in society

Abstract

The understanding of the current agrarian space requires researchers from all fields of knowledge, especially from the geographical sciences, to delve into theoretical foundations that elucidate the complexity of this subject. With this premise as a reference, this article aims to analyze how classical theorists approached the process of capital expansion in rural areas and its consequences for peasants. In the elaboration and structuring of the text, bibliographic support was necessary, primarily relying on authors who address this issue, such as Kautsky (1980), Lenin (1982), Luxemburg (1970), and Chayanov (1924; 1974). Thus, it was possible to identify that in the study of capital development in rural areas, authors like Kautsky (1980) and Lenin (1982), through a linear perspective, ultimately declared the end of the peasantry. However, demonstrating that history is in motion and that science is constantly evolving, thinkers like Rosa Luxemburg (1970) and Chayanov (1974) justified the persistence and importance of the peasantry in capitalism. Furthermore, we conclude that this theoretical contribution has supported the interpretations of contemporary Brazilian authors, especially in Geography, in reading the agrarian space.