Communal living

Definition

Communal living is a lifestyle in which individuals share living spaces, resources, and responsibilities, often emphasizing cooperation, sustainability, and a sense of community. This way of life is closely linked to the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 70s, where many sought alternatives to mainstream society's values, particularly in opposition to war and consumerism. By fostering strong social bonds and collective ownership, communal living became a way for people to express their beliefs and create supportive environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Communal living became popular during the counterculture era as a response to societal norms that were seen as oppressive or materialistic.
2. Many communes were established in rural areas where groups could grow their own food, promote environmental sustainability, and foster self-sufficiency.
3. These communities often organized their daily lives around shared responsibilities and collective decision-making, promoting egalitarian principles.
4. The anti-war sentiment of the time fueled communal living as individuals sought alternatives to the prevailing culture that supported military conflict.
5. Despite the idealism of these communities, many faced challenges such as interpersonal conflicts, financial difficulties, and external societal pressures.

Review Questions

• How did communal living serve as a response to the societal norms of the 1960s?
  • Communal living emerged as a direct response to the societal norms of the 1960s by providing an alternative lifestyle that rejected materialism and consumer culture. Many individuals felt disillusioned with traditional values that emphasized individual success and competition, particularly in light of issues like the Vietnam War. By forming communes, they sought to create supportive environments rooted in cooperation and shared goals, reflecting their desire for social change.
• Discuss the relationship between communal living and the anti-war movement during this era.
  • The relationship between communal living and the anti-war movement was significant as both shared core ideals of peace, unity, and resistance to mainstream values. Many participants in the anti-war movement found solace in communal living arrangements that fostered collaboration and solidarity among like-minded individuals. This lifestyle allowed them to live out their beliefs in a tangible way while actively opposing the military-industrial complex through nonviolent means and lifestyle choices.
• Evaluate how communal living has influenced contemporary social movements and lifestyles today.
  • Communal living has influenced contemporary social movements by inspiring new generations to explore alternative lifestyles that prioritize sustainability, equity, and community engagement. Current movements focused on environmental justice and social equity often draw on principles established by earlier communes. These modern intentional communities continue to emphasize collective decision-making and resource sharing, adapting these ideas to address today's global challenges such as climate change and economic inequality, thus extending the legacy of 1960s counterculture into present-day activism.

Related terms

Counterculture: A cultural movement that rejected the dominant societal norms of the time, particularly around issues like war, materialism, and traditional values.

Hippie Movement: A youth-driven social movement that emerged in the 1960s, advocating for peace, love, and communal living as alternatives to mainstream society.

Intentional Communities: Groups of people who choose to live together with a shared purpose or set of values, often emphasizing sustainability and social justice.