Cottierism meaning

Cottierism is the practice of tenant farmers living in poor conditions and being exploited by landlords.


Cottierism definitions

Word backwards msireittoc
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division cot-tier-ism
Plural The plural of the word cottierism is cottierisms.
Total letters 10
Vogais (3) o,i,e
Consonants (5) c,t,r,s,m

Cottierism refers to the system in which cottiers, who were tenant farmers in Ireland and Scotland during the 18th and 19th centuries, worked the land of larger farmers in exchange for living in a small cottage and a portion of the crops they grew. Cottierism was an integral part of the agricultural system during that time period.

Cottiers were typically poor and had little control over their own lives. They were bound to the land they worked on and were at the mercy of the landowners who employed them. This system often led to exploitation and poverty among the cottier class.

The Cottier System

The cottier system was characterized by a lack of security for the cottiers. They could be evicted from their cottages at any time, leaving them homeless and destitute. The landlords held all the power in this system, making it difficult for cottiers to improve their circumstances.

Economic Impact

Cottierism had a profound economic impact on Ireland and Scotland during this time. The system kept the cottiers in a cycle of poverty, making it difficult for them to break free and improve their economic status. This lack of economic mobility contributed to the overall stagnation of the agricultural economy in these regions.

Social Consequences

Aside from the economic impact, there were severe social consequences of cottierism as well. The lack of opportunities for cottiers to improve their circumstances led to a sense of hopelessness and resignation among this class of people. This system reinforced social stratification and made it challenging for cottiers to rise above their circumstances.

In conclusion, cottierism was a system of tenant farming that had a significant impact on the economic and social landscape of Ireland and Scotland during the 18th and 19th centuries. It kept cottiers in a cycle of poverty and exploitation, limiting their opportunities for advancement. Understanding the history and implications of cottierism sheds light on the challenges faced by the rural poor in the past.


Cottierism Examples

  1. The author's writing style was criticized for its excessive use of cottierism, which made the characters sound unrealistic.
  2. The film director's cottierism in portraying certain social issues led to controversy among the audience.
  3. The politician's cottierism in public speeches caused many to doubt his sincerity.
  4. The painter's artwork was known for its subtle cottierism, making it open to interpretation.
  5. The professor's lecture was filled with cottierism, making it difficult for students to grasp the main points.
  6. The novelist's use of cottierism in describing the setting created a vivid imagery for readers.
  7. The comedian's humor was based on cottierism, often poking fun at societal norms.
  8. The playwright's play was praised for its clever use of cottierism to convey deeper messages.
  9. The musician's lyrics were criticized for their blatant cottierism, lacking depth and meaning.
  10. The artist's exhibition was a mix of cottierism and surrealism, creating an intriguing visual experience.


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  • Updated 04/07/2024 - 13:54:13