The word 'peasant' has evolved from a symbol of national identity to a derogatory term in the context of deteriorating living conditions and stigmatization of the rural population.

In Romania, the 'peasant' was once idealized as a cultural and national symbol. Today, however, the term has negative connotations, reflecting a precarious economic and social reality in rural areas. Although Romania is no longer the most rural country in the EU, many villages face severe problems, including poverty, limited access to services and poor infrastructure. Agriculture, the main economic sector in rural areas, is inefficient and many of those involved in this sector live in subsistence conditions. This has led to a stigmatization of the rural population, who feel marginalized and invisible in public debates.