854 B
854 B
Agricultural Development Sequence
Definition
The historical progression of agricultural systems from primitive subsistence farming through servile labor, metayer tenancy, and finally independent yeoman farming with secure tenure and personal capital investment, which Smith argues represents increasing economic efficiency.
Source Chapter
Book III, Chapter 2
Context
Smith traces this developmental sequence to show how agricultural systems evolved toward greater efficiency as legal and social institutions changed, arguing that England's advancement came from adopting the most efficient system while continental Europe remained trapped in less productive arrangements.
Economic Domain
General Theory