On the Usefulness of the Income-Sharing Thesis

Abstract

The intention in this paper is to pursue a debate that began in the preceding issue of Kajian Malaysia when Akimi Fujimoto replied to a critical review of his “Income Sharing Among Malay Peasants.” The initial debate is summarized, Fujimoto’s position being further questioned in order to bring out crucial issues which relegate the income-sharing thesis to the real or mythical past. These concern the commoditization of labour, the role of the State, the dynamic nature of agricultural villages and households, class formation and entrepreneurship, harmony and conflicts and, overall, the articulation of agriculture with other sectors and activities.