Peasants and Proletarians: The Struggles of Third World Workers

This book explores the nature of class alliances forged in the countryside and the urban sprawls of the developing world among workers, students, and the unemployed. It draws on theoretical debates and detailed empirical studies from Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean, and is considered an important contribution to the field.

Format: Hardback
Length: 500 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1979, this book delves into diverse forms of international, interracial working-class action and explores the interconnectedness between workers' struggles in the periphery and those in advanced capitalist countries. It conducts a comprehensive analysis of the nature of class alliances forged among workers, students, and the unemployed in the countryside and urban sprawls of developing nations across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean. Drawing upon theoretical debates and detailed empirical studies, the volume offers a rich tapestry of insights into the complex dynamics of class relations and labor movements.

Each section in the book is preceded by a linking editorial comment, providing valuable insights and perspectives. Additionally, the editors provide an introductory overview that contextualizes the discussions and highlights the significance of the book's findings.

Reviews of the original edition of Peasants and Proletarians have hailed it as an important and groundbreaking work. Lynda Shaffer, in her review for the Journal of Asian Studies, noted that the book "draws attention to a previously underestimated labor force that has grown into a significant—indeed, indispensable—part of the international economic structure." She further praised its impressive compilation of material on labor in the Third World, spanning nearly a century and covering diverse countries and political contexts. Paul Kennedy, in his review for the Journal of Modern African Studies, described the book as a "very major contribution." He commended the editors' introduction for raising important issues and outlining an approach to them, while also praising the twenty-one readings that cover various aspects of early forms of resistance, rural workers, and strategies.

Peasants and Proletarians stands as a seminal work in the field of labor studies, shedding light on the complex dynamics of class, labor, and resistance in the global context. Its comprehensive analysis and rich empirical evidence make it an invaluable resource for scholars, researchers, and activists seeking to understand the complexities of the world's working classes.

Weight: 689g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032566764