Agrardualismus in Europa?

Geschichtsschreibung über Gutsherrschaft und ländliche Gesellschaft in Mittel- und Osteuropa

Abstract

During the last two decades, studies on the agrarian history of East-Central and Eastern Europe led to significant changes in the interpretation of the model of demesne lordship (Gutsherrschaft). The paper analyzes, which aspects of the concept have been subject to critical evaluation by recent research. New methodological approaches in historical research made possible a change of perspectives in the historiography of demesne lordship, which now focuses on the subject population and tries to overcome traditional notions of a clear-defined border of agrarian structures between Western and Eastern Europe. The importance of the concept for future research in economic, social and agrarian history of (Eastern) Europe will depend on designing a new and coherent model of demesne lordship and demesne economy based on the results of the recent research efforts and criticisms.