Covariance structure models for measuring agrarian value sets: A systems analysis using a representative national sample

Previous research regarding agrarian values has widely assumed that agrarianism is an ideology. The logic of ideology implies unidimensionality. Methods employed have reflected this unitary perspective. However, contrary to the methods, the findings of these studies seem to characterize agrarianism as a multidimensional phenomenon.;The present study posits agrarianism as a value system that is comprised of related yet distinct sets of values. Each of these value sets reflects a separate dimension of agrarianism.;The major hypothesis is, agrarianism, as a value system is comprised of four distinct values sets. These value sets are characterized in the following manner: (1) Agriculture is a virtuous vocation. (2) Agriculture is the most virtuous vocation. (3) Agriculture deserves special attention by way of government intervention. (4) Those whose vocation is agriculture maintain the right of specific class claims upon the rest of society. A subsidiary hypothesis is that past residence, present residence, education, and income are useful predictors in determining agrarian values.;Using covariance structure modeling, driven by a functional systems approach, the second, third, and fourth value sets were observed. Income, followed by education were the strongest predictors for the maintenance of certain agrarian value sets. Three systems sub-models were used to explain these observations.