Agricultural Cooperatives as Social-Engineering Mechanisms: Fragments of Evidence from Two Case Studies from the Interwar Greek Macedonia

Abstract

Centered on rural Greek Macedonia, this article constitutes an attempt to assess the role of agricultural cooperatives as mechanisms capable of molding a sturdy and efficient farmer. As it will be argued here, this was the intention of the Ministry of Economics (and later, Ministry of Agriculture) officials who composed the standard statute for agricultural cooperatives. By applying a micro-historical perspective, based on the archives of two agricultural cooperatives of interwar Greek Macedonia, this article provides evidence that gives cause to doubt whether the proclaimed goals were achieved.