Paper short abstract:

The paper shows the cultural context of cheating by analyzing the way Polish farmers count and use mathematics to serve their own goals. It calls into question the legitimacy of calling some actions “cheating”, as this estimation shows only the cultural background of the evaluator.

Paper long abstract:

The aim of the paper is to show how the idea of what is "cheating" and what is not depends on the cultural context in which the act of cheating takes place. On the basis of data from the fieldwork conducted among Polish farmers (2005-2008) I will argue that local morality and system of norms significantly influence the way people "cheat" and - mainly - what is seen as cheating and what is not. I will show both: cheating as seen from outside (which might not be considered cheating from inside) and as seen from inside (which might be not considered cheating from outside). In empirical part of the paper I will focus on counting and the ways farmers use mathematics to serve their own goals. Cheating through using numbers and mathematics is not only a farmers' strategy, it is observed also in public discourse, in politicians statements etc. (in that case usually referred to as "manipulating" rather than "cheating"). I will try to answer the question whether using "alternative" mathematics can be treated as cheating, or rather just as culturally embedded action. I will also refer to other situations and actions, such as: benefitting from EU subsidies for farmers, merchandising farm products such as pigs or vegetables, exploiting social ties.

I will analyze reasons why some acts (by strangers judged as cheating) are not seen as cheating at all, while other - though seen as cheating, are not disapproved by local community members and finally - why some are condemned as more that cheating.