Sharecroppers

tenant farmers, chiefly in the southern part of the USA, who work under the direction and supervision of the landowner or his agent. The plots of land held by the tenants are often part of large capitalist farms. Sharecroppers represent only the labor force; the land and the entire fixed and working capital belong to the landowner, who is also the owner of the final product. In accord with the contract, the landowner is to deliver part of the harvest to the sharecroppers.