Theory and Theorizing in Agricultural History

The field of agricultural history could benefit from interdisciplinary engagement with theoretical work. Rather than chiding agricultural historians for avoiding theory, this essay suggests specific ways in which many agricultural historians are already engaging with theory. In particular the practice of “colligation” may be an especially productive mode for agricultural historians to broaden the audience for their research and enrich their teaching. The essay concludes with a brief set of possibilities for building on theories in economics, geography, sociology and anthropology, and political science.