The MST Challenge to Neoliberalism

• Published in: Latin American perspectives Vol. 27; no. 5; pp. 33 - 45
• Main Author: Martins, Monica Dias
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Thousand Oaks, CA Sage Publications 01-09-2000; SAGE Publications; Sage Periodicals Press
• Subjects: Agrarian reform; Agricultural land; Brazil; Capitalism; Commercial production; Economic liberalism; Extreme Left; Globalization; Land; Land Reform; Landowners; Latin America; Neoliberalism; Peasant class; Political Action; Political Movements; Poor; Poverty; Private property; Protest Movements; Rural Development; Social Action; Social Movements; Social Reform; Workers' movements; World Bank
• ISSN: 0094-582X; 1552-678X
• DOI: 10.1177/0094582X0002700503

Brazil's Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (Landless Workers' Movement [MST]) is currently one of the most effective forces for social struggle in Latin America. This article discusses the controversial concept of land reform as well as the main features of the MST's activities. Also addressed are its perspectives on resistance to the neoliberal state as it works to construct an alternative project within the class struggle. MST recognizes the necessity for social ownership of the means of production. It promotes mass mobilization of the poor to occupy unproductive properties & public buildings. Its rural settlements practice cooperation, collective planning, self-management, solidarity, social justice, & autonomy. It has developed a monthly newspaper & an educational system combining work & study. Its leaders negotiate with the government & communicate with the media, & they have consolidated an alliance with workers' trade unions & other urban movements. Its growing credibility lies in the simplicity of its conduct, its collective structure, & the support of churches, Amnesty International, & the cooperation of other educated supporters. MST may be able to transform the dream of millions of Brazilians for a better life into radical action, but the outcome of its efforts is still uncertain. 13 References. L. A. Hoffman