Traditions and modernization − Crofters of state owned lands in Kainuu from the 1860s to the early 1920s
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Linnanmaa, L6
Topic of the dissertation
Traditions and modernization − Crofters of state owned lands in Kainuu from the 1860s to the early 1920s
Doctoral candidate
Master of Arts Kimmo Oikarinen
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Humanities, History, Culture and Communication Studies
Subject of study
History
Opponent
Docent Heikki Roiko-Jokela, University of Jyväskylä
Custos
Docent Matti Enbuske, University of Oulu
Traditions and modernization − Crofters of state owned lands in Kainuu from the 1860s to the early 1920s
The dissertation deals with the crofters of state owned lands in Kainuu in the context of the major change that has permeated society, modernization. In the general parcelling out of land, a considerable part of the lands were separated to the state, or crown. The Forest Administration took control of these lands in the 1860s and organized the status of the approximately 350 dwellings on them by taxing them as a crown forest croft. The establishment of new crown forest crofts was possible since 1874. In 1920 Kainuu had a total of 1,126 non-autonomous dwellings of state owned lands. The share of the crown forest croft population was highest in Suomussalmi, Kuhmoniemi, Puolanka and Hyrynsalmi.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the crown forest crofts were one option, especially for the farmless population who supported themselves with temporary earnings, to seek their place in the world. Because of the irregular nature of work earnings, the crofters' partial self-sufficient economy always made their livelihoods more secure over time than those living solely on work earnings. However, the dependent status never satisfied the crown forest crofters. Thanks to the development of political modernization, it became possible for crown forest crofters to be organized to pursue their goals in a new way. The central goal of the Crofter Association, founded in 1908 in Kainuu, was precisely the independence of the crofts. This was made possible in 1922.
The study examines crown forest crofters as rational actors. Their rationality is most evident in the knowledge-based efforts to modernize the farming of crofts and participate in political activities in the 20th century. The past unauthorized use of crown forests, based on own or inherited experience and enabled by local culture, can also be seen as a rational choice.
Rational choice theory helps to see the possibilities, choices and agency of crown forest crofters. This perspective diversifies our view of ordinary people in the remote area as mere victims of circumstance, and thus does them justice. The research complements the picture of the farmless population, modernization, and the means of survival of the rural population in the changing conditions of society and land ownership.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the crown forest crofts were one option, especially for the farmless population who supported themselves with temporary earnings, to seek their place in the world. Because of the irregular nature of work earnings, the crofters' partial self-sufficient economy always made their livelihoods more secure over time than those living solely on work earnings. However, the dependent status never satisfied the crown forest crofters. Thanks to the development of political modernization, it became possible for crown forest crofters to be organized to pursue their goals in a new way. The central goal of the Crofter Association, founded in 1908 in Kainuu, was precisely the independence of the crofts. This was made possible in 1922.
The study examines crown forest crofters as rational actors. Their rationality is most evident in the knowledge-based efforts to modernize the farming of crofts and participate in political activities in the 20th century. The past unauthorized use of crown forests, based on own or inherited experience and enabled by local culture, can also be seen as a rational choice.
Rational choice theory helps to see the possibilities, choices and agency of crown forest crofters. This perspective diversifies our view of ordinary people in the remote area as mere victims of circumstance, and thus does them justice. The research complements the picture of the farmless population, modernization, and the means of survival of the rural population in the changing conditions of society and land ownership.
Last updated: 18.6.2024