Towards a Theoretically Grounded Typology of Farms: a Swedish Case

Abstract

A survey of farms and farm households in three different areas of Sweden makes it possible to study the position of family farms, as compared to other farm types. Based on patterns of labour use and sources of income, a theoretically grounded farm typology is suggested. Such a typology is offered as an alternative to arbitrary criteria in terms of acreage, turnover or total labour, which can never be generalized, nor used in longitudinal or comparative studies. The sample illustrates the striking similarities in social set-up between the intensive agriculture in the plains of southern Sweden and that in the northern parts of the country. The role of family and non-family labour, as well as the role of non-farm work and sources of income in the three study areas are analysed.