Attitudes and Values of Scottish Farmers: “Yeoman” and “Entrepreneur” as Factors, Not Distinct Types¹

Abstract

Abstract We investigate the validity of the classification of farmers into two or more distinct types on the basis of attitudes, objectives, and values. Factor analysis of data from a survey of farm pluriactivity in Scotland (N=472) shows that attributes ascribed to “yeoman” and “entrepreneur” types emerge as separate factors rather than as a single bipolar factor. No clustering of the factor scores corresponding to distinct types is found. We also present correlations of the factor scores with attitudes to on‐ and off‐farm pluriactivity and with observables such as age and off‐farm employment. The desirability of analyzing survey data by methods which do not make assumptions about typology is discussed.