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Power positions in the farm family, marrying in, and negative peer pressure: the social relations that impact agricultural practice

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  • Dagmar Wicklow

    (University of Kassel)

  • Sally Shortall

    (Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne)

Abstract

In this article, we wish to consider relationships internal and external to the farm household, and how these enable and/or mitigate the adoption of better farm practices. We find that internally, members of the farm household (successors or spouses ‘marrying in’), can influence the future direction of agricultural practice in a positive way, that is more profitable and sustainable. It is not a straightforward process though. Interpersonal household relations play a role; status and standing within the family can impact on how decisions about change are made. This relates to both people marrying in and the position of the successor in an inter-generational household. We found that the power of the farming peer group to influence change is underestimated. Our data shows that farming is an occupation subject to strong cultural norms regarding acceptable farming practice. Sometimes farm family decisions to change agricultural practice falter under the weight of sanctions and derision encountered when trying to make adjustments. This paper draws from two data sets in Germany and England. We conclude that understanding internal farm household interactions, and their external relations with farming peer groups is critical to supporting the future of agriculture.

Suggested Citation

  • Dagmar Wicklow & Sally Shortall, 2025. "Power positions in the farm family, marrying in, and negative peer pressure: the social relations that impact agricultural practice," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 42(2), pages 749-763, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:agrhuv:v:42:y:2025:i:2:d:10.1007_s10460-024-10620-0
    DOI: 10.1007/s10460-024-10620-0
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Carolyn Sachs, 2023. "Gender, women and agriculture in Agriculture and Human Values," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 40(1), pages 19-24, March.
    2. Skaalsveen, Kamilla & Ingram, Julie & Urquhart, Julie, 2020. "The role of farmers' social networks in the implementation of no-till farming practices," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 181(C).
    3. Ann Ferrell, 2012. "Doing masculinity: gendered challenges to replacing burley tobacco in central Kentucky," Agriculture and Human Values, Springer;The Agriculture, Food, & Human Values Society (AFHVS), vol. 29(2), pages 137-149, June.
    4. Skarżyńska, Aldona & Grochowska, Renata, 2021. "Determinants of Farm Income Diversification Among the European Union Countries," Problems of Agricultural Economics / Zagadnienia Ekonomiki Rolnej 319700, Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics - National Research Institute (IAFE-NRI).
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