Social organizations and agroecology: constructing identity and social transformation

Abstract

In this work we seek to discuss the transformations that have occurred in family farming since the Green Revolution, especially since the protest movement that engendered the social organizations that defend the ideals of agroecology. Initially, we sought to understand how identity and social reality are constructed and reconstructed socially. A phenomenological approach was used to investigate how the break with conventional reality and the transition to agroecology occur. Based on empirical evidence we can say that agroecology helps provide a new and positive meaning to the social identity of farmers. However, recognition of the new identity involves questioning the dominant reality, starting with the crises experienced by farmers. Maintaining identity requires sharing it inter-subjectively with a group or organization.