Oh yeah. But there is little question as far as I know that the Russian peasantry worked in a cycle of frenzied activity alternating with relative lethargy. Actually there has been a lot of speculation that this is the reason for Russian culture's non-existent work ethic and tendency toward heavy drinking (which, though not as pronounced as you would think judging by the Western stereotype -- I personally know almost zero Russian alcoholics, and I'm in Moscow -- does exist). Actually the peasantry drinks 24/7. I used to live right by a collective farm, and a lot of the men would start drinking at 10 a.m.
I don't think "peasantry" is really the right word to use for Russian farmers in 2004, but I'll let that stand. -----Original Message----- From: "Devine, James" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wed, 21 Apr 2004 06:40:53 -0700 Subject: Re: [PEN-L] capitalism = progressive? > Chris wrote: >Russian peasants in the quasi-feudal tsarist era would work > intensively for the three months or so of the year when the ground was usuable for > agriculture, and then sit around on their asses the rest of the year, in any case.< > > I bet that during the 9 months off they spent a lot fo their time fixing equipment, > making clothes, salting food, etc. Of course, it was at a much more leisurely pace > than during the 3 months on. > > Jim D. > > > >
