| Abstract: |
With reference to a growing literature on interpersonal relations in peasant societies, Foster has asserted that peasants typically exhibit the following characteristics: distrust of the intentions of others
noncooperativeness
inability or unwillingness to seek interpersonal involvement
and friendlessness. He notes in addition the widespread occurrence of what might be termed a <i>deus ex machina</i> complex: a heavy reliance on patron-client relationships in a variety of critical situations, and an emphasis on luck or magic as explanations of either success or failure. Here I shall comment only upon the first of these two clusters of traits.
|
