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The Origins of Democracy in Agrarian Society

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  • Manus I. Midlarsky

    (Rutgers University)

Abstract

Three models for the development of democracy in agrarian society during the period from 1973 to 1987 are examined empirically. Building on accounts of the development of democracy in ancient Athens and prior systematic studies, it is suggested that agricultural density is related to land inequality, which in turn leads to increased political rights in formerly tribal/hereditary polities. The second model centers on political violence as a consequence of this land inequality, which in turn leads to increased political rights after some violent political upheaval. The third model suggests urbanization and trade begin the process, and in turn economic development then leads to increased political rights. Support is found for the Athenian and economic development models, therefore emphasizing that political violence receives the least empirical confirmation. Most important for the origins of democracy in agrarian society is the robust influence of land inequality on political rights, discovered under a variety of analytic conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Manus I. Midlarsky, 1992. "The Origins of Democracy in Agrarian Society," Journal of Conflict Resolution, Peace Science Society (International), vol. 36(3), pages 454-477, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jocore:v:36:y:1992:i:3:p:454-477
    DOI: 10.1177/0022002792036003003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lipset, Seymour Martin, 1959. "Some Social Requisites of Democracy: Economic Development and Political Legitimacy1," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 53(1), pages 69-105, March.
    2. Midlarsky, Manus I., 1988. "Rulers and the Ruled: Patterned Inequality and the Onset of Mass Political Violence," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 82(2), pages 491-509, June.
    3. Muller, Edward N. & Seligson, Mitchell A., 1987. "Inequality and Insurgency," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 81(2), pages 425-451, June.
    4. Muller, Edward N. & Seligson, Mitchell A. & Fu, Hung-der & Midlarsky, Manus I., 1989. "Land Inequality and Political Violence," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 83(2), pages 577-596, June.
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    Cited by:

    1. Duha T. Altindag & Junyue Xu, 2009. "The Impact of Institutions and Development on Happiness," Departmental Working Papers 2009-17, Department of Economics, Louisiana State University.
    2. Madhav Joshi & T. David Mason, 2010. "Land Tenure, Democracy, and Patterns of Violence During the Maoist Insurgency in Nepal, 1996–2005," Social Science Quarterly, Southwestern Social Science Association, vol. 91(4), pages 984-1006, December.

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