Negotiation and Resistance: Peasant Agency in High Medieval France

In Negotiation and Resistance, Constance Brittain Bouchard challenges the notion that peasants in eleventh- and twelfth-century France were an undifferentiated mass of impoverished and powerless workers, arguing that they had more scope for action, self-determination, and resistance to oppressive treatment than is commonly believed.

Format: Hardback
Length: 186 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Cornell University Press

In her groundbreaking work, Negotiation and Resistance, Constance Brittain Bouchard challenges the conventional portrayal of the peasantry as a homogeneous and powerless group. Bouchard's research reveals that peasants in eleventh- and twelfth-century France possessed a greater degree of agency, autonomy, and resistance to oppressive treatment than commonly acknowledged. By employing innovative interpretations of documents sourced from medieval cartularies, Bouchard demonstrates that while peasants led challenging lives marked by poverty, they were capable of engaging in negotiations, both individually and collectively, to improve their circumstances, pursue legal remedies, and make independent choices regarding fundamental matters such as inheritance and marriage partners.

Negotiation and Resistance presents a compelling narrative that upends the traditional understanding of this historical era in France. It offers a wealth of examples highlighting the courage and resilience of peasants who stood up against their oppressors, challenging the notion of their complete subjugation. Through her meticulous analysis, Bouchard sheds light on the complex dynamics and power struggles that existed between lords and peasants, revealing the ways in which the latter sought to assert their rights and assert their influence.

One of the key findings of Bouchard's research is that peasants in eleventh- and twelfth-century France had access to various mechanisms for negotiation and resistance. They could engage in legal disputes through the court system, presenting their cases and seeking justice. Additionally, they had the opportunity to form alliances and networks with other peasants, pooling their resources and collective strength to advocate for their interests. Furthermore, Bouchard suggests that peasants were not solely passive recipients of oppression but actively engaged in shaping their own destinies. They could negotiate with lords, seeking favorable terms and conditions, and challenge unjust laws and practices.

Bouchard's work contributes to a broader understanding of the historical role of the peasantry in France. It challenges the notion of their passivity and subjugation and highlights their agency and resilience. By providing a detailed account of their negotiations, legal challenges, and social movements, Bouchard sheds light on the complex web of relationships and power dynamics that shaped medieval French society.

In conclusion, Negotiation and Resistance is a seminal work that offers a fresh perspective on the peasantry in eleventh- and twelfth-century France. Through her innovative research and compelling analysis, Constance Brittain Bouchard challenges the conventional narratives and reveals the agency and resilience of this marginalized group. Her work contributes to a deeper understanding of the historical complexities of medieval French society and highlights the importance of recognizing the agency and contributions of all individuals, regardless of their social status.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501766572