Joshua Brinkman on American Farming Culture and the History of Technology
Jan 6, 2025
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Joshua Brinkman, an Assistant Teaching Professor of Science, Technology, and Society at NC State, delves into the unexpected intersection of American farming and technology. He reveals how farmers adopt cutting-edge technologies not only for survival but as a form of identity expression. Brinkman discusses the cultural significance of pickup trucks and critiques the narrative surrounding women's pivotal roles in farming. He also connects agricultural practices to the rhythm of jazz, highlighting a unique blend of technology, culture, and identity.
American farmers uniquely blend traditional practices with modern technology, redefining their identities against stereotypes of being backward or primitive.
The historical contributions of women in agriculture are significant, revealing their active roles in decision-making and modernization efforts in farming.
Understanding farmers' self-perceptions and pride in technology adoption is essential for meaningful discussions about the future of agricultural systems.
Deep dives
The Importance of Engaging with Rural Issues
Scholarly attention in technology studies often overlooks significant transformations in agriculture, despite its critical role in society. For instance, the percentage of Americans working in farms has drastically decreased from 50% in the 1920s to just 1.62% in 2022, yet agricultural productivity has continuously increased. The lack of focus on rural issues leads to a skewed understanding of technological progress, as discussions predominantly center around digital technology. This disconnect highlights the need for more research on contemporary farming practices and their implications for technology studies.
Rethinking Farmers' Identities and Technological Use
Farmers' identities are intricately linked to their use of technology, which serves not merely economic functions but also as a means of self-expression. Many farmers view their adoption of high productivity and modern machinery as a source of pride rather than a threat to traditional farming values. This perspective challenges critical narratives that often portray modern agriculture as detrimental. Therefore, understanding farmers' self-perception and their relationship with technology is crucial for any meaningful discussions about reforming agricultural systems.
Challenging Stereotypes About Rural Life
Rural areas often face stereotypes portraying them as backward or primitive, yet this narrow viewpoint ignores the modernity present in agricultural practices. Farmers have historically sought to redefine their identities by embracing technological advancements while resisting the negative connotations associated with rural life. The narrative around farmers has evolved, shifting from Jeffersonian agrarian ideals to modern business identities, often overlooked by urban critics. This resistance against stereotypes underscores the complexity of rural identities and the need for nuanced understanding.
The Role of Women in Agriculture
Women in farming have historically played a crucial role in agricultural production, often overlooked in discussions surrounding farming identities. Research indicates that women actively engage in decision-making, production processes, and modernization efforts, positioning themselves as entrepreneurs in the agricultural field. This contribution shifts the narrative around gender roles in farming, illustrating that many women see themselves as integral to the farming business rather than peripheral figures. Therefore, acknowledging women's contributions is essential for a comprehensive understanding of agricultural systems and identities.
The Intersection of Traditional and Modern Practices
The evolution of farming practices reflects a blend of traditional methods and modern technological advancements, promoting a unique rural modernity. Farmers today often leverage advanced technology while also participating in movements like organic farming, which value rich traditions and environmental awareness. However, their motivations vary significantly; for example, modern farmers might utilize new tech for efficiency, while organic advocates may reject it for perceived moral grounds. This dynamic interplay illustrates the diverse ways in which farming identities are constructed and maintained, highlighting the multidimensional nature of agricultural practices.
Peoples & Things host, Lee Vinsel, talks with Joshua Brinkman, Assistant Teaching Professor of Science, Technology, and Society at North Carolina State University, about his book, American Farming Culture and the History of Technology (Routledge, 2024). The book provides a fascinating exploration about how American farmers–contrary to their image as backwards and even anti-technology–have prided and put forward images of themselves as existing on the technological cutting-edge of modernity. Brinkman examines how different ideologies of farming have developed over time in the United States and how these ideologies have shaped the adoption of and ideas around new agricultural technologies. In addition to his academic work, Brinkman is also an accomplished saxophonist and jazz musician, and you can find recordings from two of his current bands, the Fabulous Nite-Life Boogie and Les Trois Chats, online.
