ABSTRACT
The introduction of new technology in the sugar cane production process in the Cauca Valley, Colombia, coin-cided with the appearance of social conflicts among the members of that agricultural sector. The authors view the modernization process as a result of pan-societal trends, and discuss the reciprocal relationship between changing technology and the evolving social order. A brief history of sugar cane production in Colombia is presented, focusing on the changing modes of production within the sector and how relations with other sectors of society varied thorugh time.
