Peasants, as the largest segment of humanity, have historically held a significant role in shaping our collective destinies. This paper delves into the multifaceted identity of peasants, tracing their evolution from simple land tillers to complex historical figures. The concept of a peasant, of French origin and widely adopted in English from the 15th century, intertwines work on the land with village life. Oswald Spengler's portrayal of peasants as organic rather than purely historical beings further underscores their complex nature.

This study reveals that the term 'peasant' emerged as a legal distinction during the high middle ages, marking a critical juncture in the history of agriculture. Defining a peasant proves to be an elusive task, with various interpretations encompassing individuals who engage in agriculture, utilize their own tools, and rely on family labor.

Shifting the focus to a global context, the paper highlights the emergence of revolutionary transformations worldwide, particularly drawing the attention of social scientists from the 1960s onward. Prior to this period, historians primarily concentrated on political history. However, recent developments have spurred social scientists to examine peasants within a class framework rooted in Marxism. Social movements, which can either seek to preserve the status quo or promote change, play a pivotal role in shaping societies according to their objectives.

The terminology surrounding social change is examined, shedding light on the interchangeable use of words like rebellion, revolution, revolt, uprising, movement, and insurrection. Dictionaries and encyclopedias offer varying definitions of 'movement,' with some describing it as the general tendency of current thought, taste, opinion, or action. Lenin's perspective frames revolution as a profound and complex science, emphasizing that revolutions are not manufactured on demand but rather mature through historical development and erupt due to a complex interplay of internal and external factors. Revolutions emerge when millions of individuals collectively reach the conclusion that the existing order is no longer tenable.