When the Hands Are Many: Community Organization and Social Change in Rural Haiti

by Jennie Marcelle Smith

In an ethnography that challenges standard approaches to understanding the poor and disempowered, Jennie M. Smith's descriptions of peasant activity change what constitutes a democratic society. Through their civil institutions and artistic expression, Haitian peasants, widely known as some of the world's most impoverished, politically disempowered, and illiterate citizens, debate the meanings of development, democracy, and the public good. Smith offers a historically grounded overview of how the Haitian state and certain foreign powers have sought to develop rural Haiti and relates how Haitian peasants have responded to such efforts through words and deeds. The author argues that songs called chante pwen serve as "melodic machetes," a tool with which the peasants make their voices heard in many social circumstances. When the Hands Are Many illustrates the philosophies, styles, and structures typical of social organization in rural Haiti with narrative portraits of peasant organizations engaged in agricultural work parties, business meetings, religious ceremonies, social service projects, song sessions, and other activities. Smith integrates these organizations' strengths into a new vision for social change and asks what must happen in Haiti and elsewhere to facilitate positive transformation in the world today.

Genres: Anthropology

256 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2001

Reviews

[olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

"While When the Hands Are Many will be required reading for all Haitianists, it also goes well beyond Haiti to demonstrate why and how ethnography matters. Jennie Smith's profound intellectual respect for the people she studies proves central to her research strategies."
- Michel-Rolph Trouillot, University of Chicago

This book is IMPORTANT and Trouillot captures exactly why. I have recently been tasked with writing a critical review on this text, and have had an difficult time being critical. Though it has been contentiously received, and no text is perfect, Smith's work still stands as radical, as it continues to break ground in contemporary cultural anthropology. Anyone who reads this will learn extensively about Haiti. It is considered a must read for anyone who hopes to study Haiti seriously and I wholeheartedly agree. She does not just demonstrate the possibilities regarding meaningful fieldwork, but also shows the power of respect to those we may not inherently understand. We all stand to learn from Smith's sensitivity and care.