Peasant rationality: Individuals,groups, cultures

T.W. Schultz's use of evidence in support of his thesis of peasant rationality is selective and unrepresentative even of the studies quoted. Peasants cannot be rational in the Schultz-allocational sense because they lack sufficient information and live in a world of uncertainty. Many studies show that personality and individual circumstances rule out uniform, predictable responses to price and profit incentives. The works of Scott and Popkin on collective peasant action and its basis in individual interest are reviewed. Lastly, the importance of custom and culture in peasant decision-processes is shown.