The agrarian myth as narrative in agricultural policymaking

Julie Lester, Purdue University

Abstract

Agricultural policy scholars have stated that the influence of the agrarian myth can be seen in American agricultural policy, but have not provided a substantial amount of empirical evidence to back up such a claim. It appears as if the agrarian myth is a narrative expressed in American popular culture, but does the agrarian myth hold relevance in the narratives of American agricultural policymaking? Through an exploration of the origins of the American agrarian myth and how it has been portrayed in American popular culture as well as agricultural policymaking, this project will attempt to better understand the role of the agrarian myth in the American agricultural policymaking process. This study will consider what types of interest groups or individuals have used the agrarian myth in agricultural policymaking, how interest groups or individuals may have used the agrarian myth to achieve their desired goals in the policymaking process and whether the agrarian myth may be a way to explain the outcomes of the American agricultural policymaking process.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Targ, Purdue University.

Subject Area

American studies|Political science

COinS