Marginality

The concept of marginalization refers to the exclusion of individuals or communities from partaking in the hegemonic means of social reproduction. There could be a positive aspect in it, namely the maintenance of alternative forms of social reproduction, the maintenance of cultural diversity. However, marginalization means undermining the livelihoods of those being marginalized, making them willing to give up their way of life and to serve the hegemonic system. Marginalization is a process of producing colonies. The marginalized easily fall into the trap of serving the very system that explores them. But they can also struggle to maintain their livelihoods apart from the hegemonic system, but for this to happen they have to understand the threat they are facing and to be capable to confront the powerful “opressors” (Paulo Freire). Frequently they face violent reactions desencadeadas by the elites.

Regarding agricultural and rural marginalization, the term refers to the processes that make agriculture and rural communities non-viable, because of economic, ecological and/or social constraints.

In Portugal marginal rural communities still inspire. Especially because they are the places where fulfilled lives can be observed. The combination of both, necessary and creative work are the basis for a fulfilled life, Mies (1999) says. And, in subsistence agriculture this combination is paramount: artful subsistence work in the natural environment, inside a social network. This allows for the concomitant fulfilment of most human needs, I believe.

Marginal areas in rural Portugal also inspire because so much can be done there. There are plenty of opportunities for meaningful engagement! Giving someone a lift to the next town is already a significant contribution to improve their well-being. For helping an elderly couple to carry a box of vegetables from the garden to the house, I have been rewarded with a kiss on the hand. Despite of monetary poverty, there is no paranoid fear of scarcity; life is connected to the enjoyment of nature’s plenty.