The introduction of capitalism in Russian agriculture: Popular response toNeo-liberal reforms

This work analyzes the reactions of rural residents to the introduction of market-oriented economic reforms in the Russian agricultural sector. Employ ing primary data collected in a 1995 survey of three villages in the Russia n Republic, we argue that strong resistance to the introduction of Neo-libe ral market-oriented reforms exists, often based on the respondents' awarene ss of the importance of social interdependence. Rural residents feel harmed by government reforms, reject further reforms in agriculture, and would pr efer a return to pre-1991 conditions. Although most have experienced a decl ine in village solidarity, they also believe that some forms of collective life will persist in rural communities. Respondents also question the fairn ess of economic markets given their observation that many have gotten ahead by illegal activities. In general, those with more resources are slightly less negative in their responses. Still, we argue that these results do not necessarily indicate that rural Russians totally reject the move toward a market-based economy. Rather, the results taken together suggest that point s of strain and resistance emerge from the rapid introduction of market-ori ented reforms, with little protection from unwanted consequences and the un certainties of capitalism, in a context characterized by a long tradition o f collective social relations.