File(s) under permanent embargo
Mythologization of farming styles in Australian broadacre cropping
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-25, 22:55 authored by Howden, P, Vanclay, FFarming styles theory, as developed by Jan Douwe van der Ploeg to explain diversity in agriculture, is being considered as a possible tool to assist in targeting of extension in Australia. A farming style is a socially constructed type that reflects the worldviews and strategies of one configuration of farming practice for a particular commodity (or common combination of commodities) in a particular region. The various farming styles in a region represent a repertoire of possible worldviews and strategies. We first conducted focus groups to identify farming styles among Australian broadacre croppers. We then conducted case studies to validate these styles, and to gain further understanding of the rationale of each style. The case studies, however, failed to confirm the styles. The findings instead suggested that the styles which emerged from the focus groups were artifacts of the method. We conclude that focus group methodology legitimized the expression of stereotypical images grounded in local farming discourse and provided an avenue for reification of mythological " styles although the styles still provided social control over farmers' activities. Researchers should be aware that focus groups potentially allow the expression of mythology and should reflect on the validity of data collected by this method."
History
Publication title
Rural SociologyVolume
65Article number
2Number
2Pagination
295-310ISSN
0036-0112Publication status
- Published
Repository Status
- Restricted