How to Study the Sociology of Direct Action Farmers' Movements

T HE general objectives of a sociological study of direct action farmers' movements are identical with those of all scientific inquiry, namely, the decrease of uncertainty and the increase of predictability concerning the phenomena under observation. By preliminary survey and by intensive study of direct action farmers' movements three things ought to be accomplished. First, we need a study of the factors and conditions out of which these movements spring; second, we need to know how they arise, develop, and decline; and third, we need dependable estimates of their effects upon other farmers' organizations and upon the whole course of rural social organization. The first two of these points are covered in this paper, while Professor Wakeley has included the third in his discussion in this number of SOCIAL FORCES, PP. 380-385Preceding the intensive study of one or more of these movements it is advisable to make a fairly complete survey of all of them as they have appeared in the course of American history. This brings forward the question of criteria for distinguishing those movements from other farmers' movements. Obviously they are different with respect to the methods employed for the attainment of goals. The use of the strike, of picketing, of demonstrations, in which numbers are physically assembled, contrasts with the indirect methods employed by other farmers' movements, in which emphasis is placed upon educational and legislative activities and the use of voting strength at the ballot box. The geographic area in which each movement occurred, and the extent of its duration in time, are preliminary considerations which should be determined by units which are as precise as can be used with the information available. Population centers or areas in which meetings, demonstrations, or outbreaks occurred, and avenues of communication which drew concerted action should be indicated. These and similar data are important not only for the identification of each movement but for purposes of comparison or correlation with factors and events occurring simultaneously, preceding, or following the movement. Most essential in this projected survey is the discovery and description of the basic factors which play a part in the origin of direct action movements. What are the principal factors which contribute to their origin and appearance? Two main groups may be distinguished: the more strictly economic factors, and the organizational factors. Among those which first command attention are such economic factors as: type of agriculture, principal commodities produced for the market, rainfall cycle, marketing facilities, prices, mortgages, and taxes. The following group of factors concerning social organization demand equal if not greater attention: facilities for education in agri1 This paper, with the kind perniission of the author, has been condensed from the original longer discussion as presented before the rural sociology section of the American Sociological Society, Chicago, June 29, I933. Consequently, much of the interesting illustrative material has necessarily been omitted.The Editors.