Original scientific paper
THE CONCEPT OF PEASANTRY IN THE POLITICAL THOUGHT OF STJEPAN RADIĆ
Tihomir Cipek
; Faculty of Political Sciences, Zagreb
Abstract
The article deals with the origins and theoretical influences which
formed the concept of peasantry in the political thought of Stjepan
Radić, together with the political and social circumstances in the
so-called banska Croatia, of the vice-roy period. Peasantry is no
doubt one of the central categories of Radić's system of ideas. A
key determinant of peasantry is its attachment to land. According
to Radić, this enables the peasantry to establish itself as a specific
economic, social and cultural entity. The article particularly points
out Radić's education in political science which enables him to
theoretically establish the place and role of Croatian peasantry. In
the tradition of Adam Smith, the demand for awarding peasantry
the key role, is derived by Radić from the position it occupies in
the social structure. It appeared that peasantry was considered a
"class" incorporating in itself the interests of the whole society.
Thus in Radić's theory, peasantry was considered the guarantee
that the country would be ruled according to general interest. The
author indicates that in analyzing Radić's concept of peasantry,
his contribution to the development of liberal-democratic values
in Croatian society should be dealt with more minutely. Radić's
frequent reference to the principles of Christianity, which helped
win over the peasantry to accept his ideology, is also pointed out
in the text.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
32431
URI
Publication date:
1.3.1995.
Visits: 3.178 *