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Agricultural Involution: The Processes of Ecological Change in Indonesia

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Though his qualitative studies of culture are more famous, "AI" is probably Clifford Geertz's most influential empirical work. It presents 2 main concepts: first, agricultural involution, a significant form of intensification but which may not bring actual development; and second, the divide between irrigated and swidden (slash & burn) farming. He develops these ideas with clarity and authority, enough to have inspired many comments and some revision, but the book's core remains permanently valuable. Both concepts have applications beyond Indonesia and wet-rice regions, and his historical approach provides essential time depth. Clearly Geertz's 1950s sojourn in the Indies was among the most fruitful fieldwork stints ever, producing a raft of classic books and essays. "The Religion of Java" is merely one among these, while F. Bray, "The Rice Economies" is very useful for context.