The Dynamics of Globalization: Social Crisis and Conflict in the Portuguese Rural Areas

Abstract

In the light of globalization theories, this paper analyzes the causes of the unrest and social conflict which have become widespread in rural Portugal during the last ten years. The strong modernizing impetus of globalization could not be maintained by the weak, unprepared private and public structures in the countryside. Portugal's rural areas have experienced a generalized inability to take advantage of the new opportunities afforded by globalization. New vulnerabilities and dependencies arose, including the abandonment of farming, the decline of traditional production, the collapse of modernizing programmes, distrust of state policies, and the general spread of a pessimistic state of mind, discontent and revolt.