Diverse aspects of rural problems and the social organization of Mexican labor are explored in this summary of Mexican rural history. Achnowledging Mexico's rich, unexhausted, and unexplored natural resources, Mexico is described as a poverty-stricken, hungry nation, with high degrees of malnutrition, deprivation, and illiteracy heavily concentrated in rural areas. Present forms of land tenure (which result from social and technological struggles and developments of the past four decades) are explained. Influence of the government on rural evolution and resultant social attitudes is detailed. Emphasizing the precarious condition of approximately 30 million rural "campesinos" (the peasant class), the narrative discusses the developing conflict between capitalistic expansion initiated by the Mexican government and the desires of the campesinos for their economic liberty. Advantages and disadvantages are weighed for potential options afforded the two groups in settling this dilemma of land ownership and development. It is noted that some resolution of this conflict is deemed necessary if Mexico is to provide solutions to present rural problems. (JD)