Matewan: A 20th-century Form of Feudalism

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Recommended: Distinguished between feudalism and capitalism

Matewan: A 20th-century Form of Feudalism

Matewan, in which the action takes place in the 1920s in West Virginia, gives a clear and realistic picture of the economical situation of the given place and time. This has been a purpose and an idea which the director of the film, John Sales, has paid a particular attention to. The film elucidates a 20th-century conflict between two economical systems: feudalism and capitalism, with feudalism clearly dominating the economical status of the small town of Matewan, in spite of some outer characteristics (such as wages being paid) that imply capitalism.

The main feature of capitalism is the free labor market and 'freedom' is the key concept: freedom in choosing an employer; freedom in deciding how and where to work in order to make the most reasonable living. In that sense it is indisputable that capitalism is not the economical process taking place in Matewan. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to live in this small town and not to work for the Stone Mountain Coal Company. It holds monopoly over most of the town, it owns and controls nearly everything: stores, buildings and so on. The miners are being underpaid and overcharged at the same time. Wages have gone down again, workers have to pay monopoly rents; besides, they are getting paid not in dollars but in company scrips that can be used at

company stores only. Therefore, the contract the workers have signed with the company, in stead of giving them freedom and rights, puts restrictions on them and their way of life: they do not have the freedom to join in a union; they are not free to choose their employer, either. The working and the living conditions are beyond any criticism and are very far from what is needed in order to lead a normal life. However, this seems to be the only way for people there to make any living at all. The alternative is fleeing away in the mountains with no home and no money whatsoever, which is really not acceptable and can hardly even be considered as an 'alternative' therefore. In that sense, the geographical setting (i.e. the isolation of this small town) indirectly encourages the development of feudal relations in Matewan. The company leaves its workers with no choice and no freedom - a defining characteristic of feudalism, and that reinforces the feudal nature of the economical relations in Matewan.

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