ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the transformations that occurred in farmers' social consciousness and attitudes. It examines the situation that resulted from the land reforms of 1950s, which saw the ascendancy of owner-cultivators and the decline of landowners. The chapter discusses the ensuing tensions between these two groups and identification farmers developed with their associations. It also explains two trends that have been operative in Taiwan since 1895—capitalism and the official infiltration into society. The disorder and inefficiency due to the system for selecting officials further led to the farmers' sense of alienation from the associations. Eventually, however, corruption in the traditional value system for the selection of association officers led to the alienation of farmers from their associations; this corruption involved both buying votes and using power to secure positions. Unfortunately, the landowner-farmer relationship had become "frigid and forced," the landowners having to give away their land to the farmers in conformity with the "Land to the Tillers" policy.
