Bourgeoisie and peasantry. Unequal but necessary to understand European history and its identity

Abstract

This chapter discusses how urban and rural contexts have played a fundamental role in shaping European history. Attention will be paid to the different social hierarchies and differentiations which have existed between urban and rural populations in different periods of history. Likewise, processes of change and continuity in cities in Europe (and other parts of the world) in different periods of history are explained. Furthermore, a reflection is made on different views held of the rural population and peasantry, along with the economic structure of the rural context, marginality and inequalities of the rural population throughout history and the characteristics of their work. An analysis will also be made of the different periods of urban “boom” in Europe and the emergence and rise of the bourgeois and middle classes in European society. Finally, the processes of peasant resistance and citizen uprising in different conflicts will be examined.