20世纪30年代的定县调查及其同时代的一批调查结果,对于中国相当一个历史时期的"农民"、"农业"以及"农村"的理论与政策的建立和检验提供了重要的依据。社会转型不同阶段上社会事实的差别性使得以往的理论极有可能失去对现实的判断力和解释力。在新世纪开启之时,我们再次对定县进行全面的社会调查,并用实地资料来检验新的理论假设,也就具有了重大的理论与政策意义。我国农民问题的出路有赖于国家行动,必须通过国家行为引导新的农业制度,形成新的国家农业体系,来使这一问题最终得到解决。

For a long period, the Dingxian Survey conducted in the 30s of the 20th century as well as other surveys at that time provided a vital foundation for the establishment and examination of theories and policies concerning "farmers", "agriculture" and "countryside" in China. Differences in social facts at different stages of social transition will make theories raised before become less convincing in judging and interpreting the reality. Therefore, the second overall survey of Dingxian made by us at the beginning of the new century for the purpose of testing new theories on the basis of materials collected on the spot will play an important role in theoretical construction and policy making. As the solution to farmers' problem lies in the state action, we have to, by means of the state action, guide the establishment of new agricultural institution and develop a new state agricultural system in order to offer an ultimate solution to the problem.