The Concept of Sem Terra and the Peasantry in Brazil

Abstract

This article explores the meanings and uses of the term sem terra (landless) in relation to the social movement MST and tries to provide provisory answers to the following questions: What is the relationship between small landholders, rural workers, and the term sem terra? Is the idea of sem terra class-based or does it stretch beyond “class”? Which rural populations use the term sem terra to identify themselves? Does sem terra continue to be a useful tool for MST participants who have already obtained stable access to land? Finally, do different (and conflicting) meanings of sem terra exist for the leaders of the MST and the rank-and-file members? The sources for the present article are the interviews collected during field research, some texts published by the MST, and general sources about the matter.