Definition
A sharecropper is a type of tenant farmer who cultivates farmland belonging to a landlord in exchange for a share of the crops produced on that land. The sharecropper is typically provided with seeds, tools, equipment, and housing by the landowner. After the harvest, both the landowner and the sharecropper receive a proportion of the proceeds based on their agreement.
Examples
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Historical Context: In post-Civil War Southern United States, sharecropping became common as a way for freed African American slaves to earn a living and for landowners to gain labor for their lands.
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Modern Example: In some parts of India, sharecropping still exists where small farmers lease land from large landowners and provide a third to half of their harvested crops as rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between sharecropping and tenant farming?
- Sharecropping specifically involves sharing the crop produced, whereas tenant farming can involve other forms of rent such as cash payments or a combination of cash and crop share.
How does sharecropping benefit landlords?
- Sharecropping allows landlords to have their land cultivated without paying wages. Instead, they receive a portion of the crop yield.
What are common criticisms of sharecropping?
- Sharecropping has been criticized for creating a cycle of poverty and debt for the sharecroppers because they are often left with insufficient resources and low proceeds after their portion of the crop is sold.
Are sharecroppers considered employees?
- No, sharecroppers are generally not considered employees. They are independent farmers who have agreed to work the land for a share of the output.
Is sharecropping still practiced today?
- Yes, while less common, sharecropping is still practiced in some rural areas around the world, especially in developing countries.
Related Terms
- Tenant Farmer: A farmer who rents land to farm and may or may not share the profits from the harvest with the landowner.
- Metayage: A sharecropping system where the cultivator receives a portion of the crop as payment.
- Peonage: A system where laborers are bound in servitude due to debt.
- Agrarian Reform: Government-initiated reforms intended to redistribute land to achieve equity and improve agricultural productivity.
Online References
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Half Has Never Been Told: Slavery and the Making of American Capitalism” by Edward E. Baptist
- “Black Farmers in America” by John Francis Ficara and Juan Williams
- “Let Us Now Praise Famous Men” by James Agee and Walker Evans
- “Beyond Forty Acres and a Mule: African American Landowners Since Reconstruction” by Debra A. Reid
Fundamentals of Sharecropping: Agriculture Basics Quiz
### Who typically provides the seeds and tools in a sharecropping agreement?
- [x] The landowner
- [ ] The sharecropper
- [ ] The local government
- [ ] Agricultural cooperatives
> **Explanation:** The landowner typically provides the seeds, tools, and other necessary items for the sharecropper to work the land.
### What do sharecroppers receive at the end of the harvest?
- [ ] A fixed salary
- [ ] Nothing
- [x] A portion of the crop proceeds
- [ ] Only housing
> **Explanation:** Sharecroppers receive a portion of the proceeds from the harvested crops as agreed upon with the landowner.
### Which historical event significantly increased the use of sharecropping in the Southern United States?
- [ ] The Industrial Revolution
- [ ] The American Revolution
- [x] The Civil War
- [ ] The World War II
> **Explanation:** After the Civil War, sharecropping became a common practice in the Southern United States, particularly among freed African American slaves.
### Why is sharecropping often seen as a cycle of poverty?
- [x] Sharecroppers often incur debts for seeds and tools, leaving little profit after crop share.
- [ ] Sharecroppers receive huge profits but choose not to save.
- [ ] The prevailing social norms discourage wealth accumulation.
- [ ] Agricultural produces very low yields.
> **Explanation:** Sharecroppers frequently incur debts for seeds and tools, making it difficult to break out of poverty as the landowner receives a significant portion of the crop yield while the sharecropper struggles with remaining proceeds and debts.
### Which is not a type of agreement similar to sharecropping?
- [ ] Metayage
- [ ] Peonage
- [ ] Tenant Farming
- [x] Capital Farming
> **Explanation:** Capital Farming involves the landowner investing capital into farm operations, distinct from profit-sharing agreements seen in sharecropping, tenant farming, and metayage.
### What benefit does a landowner get from a sharecropping agreement?
- [ ] Full control over crop decisions
- [ ] Regular income without risks of crop failure
- [x] Utilization of farmland without hiring labor
- [ ] Easier title conversion
> **Explanation:** Landowners benefit from having their land cultivated without hiring labor directly. They share crop proceeds with the sharecroppers instead.
### Is sharecropping beneficial for mechanized, large-scale farming?
- [ ] Yes, it ensures high efficiency.
- [ ] No, it is only beneficial for small-scale farming.
- [x] No, sharecropping is less efficient in mechanized systems.
- [ ] Yes, it reduces the need for mechanized equipment.
> **Explanation:** Sharecropping is less efficient in large-scale, mechanized farming where direct investment in labor-saving machinery is preferable.
### Can a sharecropper build equity over time?
- [ ] Yes, quickly within a few harvest seasons.
- [ ] No, sharecropping always results in substantial equity.
- [x] Yes, but it is difficult due to frequent debts and low yields.
- [ ] None of the above.
> **Explanation:** Building equity as a sharecropper is challenging due to frequent debts owed to landowners for supplies and the typically low yields of crops, leading to low profits.
### What is a common feature of both sharecropping and peonage?
- [ ] It involves owning the land worked on.
- [ ] Guaranteed high profit for laborers.
- [x] Often associated with debt and limited freedom.
- [ ] Both exclusively use machinery for farming.
> **Explanation:** Both sharecropping and peonage systems often bind laborers in a cycle of debt, limiting their financial freedom and autonomy.
### How does agrarian reform relate to sharecropping?
- [ ] By eliminating the mechanized financial systems.
- [x] By redistributing land to achieve equity.
- [ ] Through reducing farmlands in urban areas.
- [ ] By providing new industrial resources.
> **Explanation:** Agrarian reform aims to redistribute land to promote equity, improve agricultural productivity, and can impact sharecropping by altering land ownership dynamics.
Thank you for exploring the intricacies of sharecropping with our comprehensive guide. Stay informed and continue broadening your agricultural knowledge for the betterment of all!
