China’s agricultural modernization is accompanied by a new generation of feilds, such as a new type of skilled farmer. Photo: FILE

At present, China is experiencing a transformation from a focus on traditional agriculture to a focus on agricultural modernization. Research on agricultural sociology is expected to provide new perspectives for solving agricultural problems, problems which are more than merely technical or economic. The agricultural phenomenon of a higher output unaccompanied by a higher income can’t be fully resolved only through technological advancement and scaling operations.

Zhu Qizhen, a professor at China Agricultural University (CAU), said that agricultural sociology aims to promote the transformation of agricultural development patterns. Agriculture, as the basis for human survival, cannot simply be classified as an industry or an economic factor. In order to maintain national agricultural security and social stability, the supply of agricultural products must be sufficient, cheap and of good quality. The social nature of agricultural products determines that they cannot be handled with only a marketing focus.

Xiong Chunwen, a professor at the College of Humanities and Development at CAU, said that the modernization of agriculture is accompanied by a new generation of fields, such as a new type of skilled farmer, leisure agriculture and the protection of agricultural culture. Related issues and disputes including food security, food safety and the ethics of developing and using genetically modified organisms are beyond the original research of agricultural economics, and also beyond that of the natural sciences targeting agricultural technology. Thus, agricultural sociology has important practical and theoretical value for the study of social issues in the agricultural field.

Zhao Xiaofeng, deputy dean of the College of Humanities and Social Development at Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, said that as China’s agricultural modernization is advancing steadily, China is currently within a critical period of agricultural transformation. Agricultural sociology treats agriculture, rural areas and rural residents as an organic whole and studies the social mechanism of agricultural development. Furthermore, it also studies deeper theoretical issues such as how the dividends of agricultural development are shared by different levels of farmers, smallholders in particular. Agricultural sociology can advance the strategy of rural revitalization and urban-rural integration in line with China’s national conditions.

As an emerging discipline, the study of agricultural sociology is still in its infancy in China. Its construction of theory lags behind the practical development of agriculture. Xiong said that the research contents of agricultural sociology can be summarized into the following four aspects. The first aspect is the social nature and characteristics of agriculture, which needs to be fully understood in a broader social structure and cultural perspective. Second, the historical origin, social foundation and development process of agriculture. Third, the social function and influence of agriculture. Once a key agricultural technology revolution occurs or an agricultural production mode is formed, especially when it becomes a dominant technological means and an economic form, it will inevitably affect the development process of human society in turn. The multifunctional characteristics of agriculture are also an important topic of agricultural sociology. Fourth, the application value of agricultural sociology. Agricultural sociology can play a useful and powerful role in the fields of sustainable agricultural development and the cultivation of skilled farmers. The priority of China’s agricultural sociology is to accumulate results and demonstrate value through its own unique research. In this process, agricultural sociology, agricultural science and technology, and agricultural economics must deal with the division of labor and carry out positive dialogue.

Zhao said that the task of agricultural sociology is to explore the current mechanisms of social changes in China’s transition to an industrial society and the development of urban-rural integration; summarize related concepts, propositions, theories, research paradigms and analytical methods; and identify the boundaries of the discipline. It should lay a solid foundation for constructing the discipline system of agricultural sociology with Chinese characteristics and provide forward-looking theoretical guidance for China’s agricultural modernization. In addition, it is necessary to explore the theoretical resources of agricultural sociology, conduct equal dialogue with Western theories and enhance the international influence of Chinese agricultural sociology.

​edited by YANG LANLAN