In the context of communism, what does the term 'collectivization' primarily refer to?

The term 'collectivization' in the context of communism primarily refers to the creation of a communal farming system. This process involves consolidating individual peasant farms into large, collectively owned farms, with the goal of increasing agricultural output and promoting socialist principles. Collectivization was a significant part of communist economic policy, particularly in the Soviet Union under Stalin, where it aimed to eliminate private land ownership and establish a system where the state controlled agricultural production to support collective goals.

This approach was meant to foster a sense of community among farmers, eliminate class distinctions in rural areas, and facilitate the distribution of resources equitably. By pooling resources, collectivization sought to improve agricultural efficiency through shared labor and equipment, though it often faced significant resistance and had complex social impacts.

In contrast, the other options relate to agricultural practices that maintain or promote individual ownership and market-driven approaches, which are fundamentally at odds with the collectivist ideology of communism.