Peasants in Socialist Transition

Peasants in Socialist Transition: Life in a Collectivized Hungarian Village offers an in-depth exploration of the dramatic social, economic, and political changes that have shaped rural Hungary over the mid-20th century. Anchored in the village of "Kislapos" (a pseudonym), the study examines the sweeping transformations brought about by collectivization, land reforms, and the broader socialist policies implemented after World War II. Through vivid historical analysis and firsthand ethnographic research, the book sheds light on the dismantling of Hungary's prewar agrarian hierarchy, where land ownership dictated wealth, power, and status, and the rise of a new collectivized agricultural model. Despite the radical restructuring aimed at achieving egalitarian ideals, the study reveals the persistence of traditional themes of hierarchy, dependency, and reciprocity, underscoring both continuity and change in the social fabric of Kislapos.

This richly detailed account combines broader socio-political trends with intimate insights into daily life, family structures, and local power dynamics. It explores how collectivization reshaped the village’s economic foundation, altered family roles, and introduced new tensions between egalitarian ideologies and the practical necessities of centralized leadership. The narrative also delves into villagers’ perceptions of power, their evolving social networks, and the impact of external events such as industrialization and rural-to-urban migration. By situating the microcosm of Kislapos within the larger context of Hungary's socialist transition, this book not only enhances our understanding of Eastern European rural societies but also contributes significantly to the study of social change under state socialism.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1984.