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In the face of skyrocketing living costs, environmental crisis, and a global epidemic of loneliness, an age-old solution is quietly making a comeback: communal living. Once synonymous with the countercultural movements of the 1960s, this way of life is finding new relevance in the 21st century.
In this gallery, explore the different ways of communal living in today’s world and find out why it's the antidote to the stresses of modern life. Click on to get started.
In a world grappling with numerous social and environmental issues, people are increasingly turning to alternative lifestyles for answers. Rooted in ideals of shared resources, mutual support, and sustainable living, communal setups are attracting a diverse range of people seeking a less pressured way of life.
Communal living as a modern concept can be traced back to the 1940s, with a surge in popularity during the 1960s hippy movement. These communities often renounced traditional hierarchies and consumerist values, offering members a space to reconnect with nature, live simply, and find meaning in collective efforts.
Communal living offered an escape from materialism, individualism, and the pressures of traditional family structures. These communities were often inspired by a desire for self-sufficiency, environmental sustainability, and a spiritual connection to nature.
The political climate of the era, marked by civil rights activism, anti-war protests, and disillusionment with authority, further fueled the appeal of communes as spaces for personal freedom, experimentation, and collective growth.
By the late 20th century, however, the communal lifestyle waned. Rising individualism, urbanization, and economic growth led many to prioritize personal achievement and nuclear family living over shared spaces and resources.
A nuclear family (also known as an elementary family, atomic family, or conjugal family) is a family group consisting of parents and their children (one or more), typically living in one home residence.
But decades later, a combination of social, economic, and environmental factors is reigniting interest in this cooperative way of life.
Loneliness has reached crisis levels in many parts of the world. In the UK, for instance, loneliness affects millions of people, with the government even appointing a Minister for Loneliness in 2018.
Similarly, studies in the US reveal that over 60% of adults report feeling lonely. Health experts warn that chronic loneliness can shorten lifespan as significantly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Communal living offers a natural antidote to this issue. By fostering connection and shared purpose, these communities provide a built-in support system. Whether it’s sharing meals, organizing group activities, or simply having others nearby, the social fabric of communal living helps combat isolation.
For many, this arrangement feels less like a solution to loneliness and more like a rediscovery of how humans are wired to live. Historically, people thrived in close-knit communities where cooperation was essential for survival.
The modern focus on individualism has inadvertently eroded these bonds, causing many to seek ways to reconnect. The pandemic has only exacerbated this issue, making isolation a more significant problem than ever before.
The cost of living crisis is another factor pushing people toward communal arrangements. As housing prices soar and utilities become increasingly unaffordable, pooling resources makes financial sense.
By sharing rent, food, and energy costs, members of communal households can significantly reduce their expenses. For younger generations, communal living often provides a way to escape the precariousness of renting alone while saving for future goals.
Meanwhile, retirees are finding communal setups appealing as they combine affordability with opportunities for social interaction, crucial for healthy aging.
Beyond the financial benefits, shared living allows for a more efficient use of resources. Communal spaces often incorporate shared kitchens, gardens, and living areas, reducing duplication and waste.
Environmental consciousness is another driving force behind the resurgence of communal living. Many individuals are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint and live more sustainably.
Communal households can achieve this through shared transportation, bulk buying, and community gardening, which collectively reduce waste and energy consumption. Communes are often pioneers in green technologies, with many incorporating renewable energy sources like solar panels or wind turbines.
Moreover, living in a community encourages practices like upcycling, composting, and collaborative energy-saving measures, which are more challenging to implement individually.
This emphasis on sustainability ties into the broader appeal of a simpler lifestyle. Overwhelmed by the pace of modern life, many people are seeking alternatives that allow them to unplug and prioritize meaningful connections over material possessions.
Communal living offers a slower, more intentional way of life, resonating with those disappointed by consumer culture's empty promises of happiness through materialism and drawn to deeper meaning and connection.
Unlike the communes of the 1960s, often associated with young idealists, today’s communal setups are more diverse and inclusive. Families, singles, retirees, and even professionals are finding ways to coexist in shared spaces.
Some communities emphasize eco-consciousness and sustainable living, while others are formed around shared cultural or spiritual values. And then there are those designed for digital nomads and remote workers.
Co-housing arrangements, where individuals maintain private spaces but share communal areas, are particularly popular. These setups offer a balance of independence and connection, making them appealing to a broad demographic.
The digital age has also made it easier for like-minded individuals to come together. Online platforms and social media groups help people find or create communities that align with their values and goals.
Of course, communal living isn’t without its challenges. Sharing space requires compromise, effective communication, and conflict-resolution skills. Disagreements over chores, finances, or lifestyle preferences can strain relationships if not addressed.
Always-occupied toilets, unwashed dishes in the kitchen, not contributing to the replacement of common household items, and people playing loud music in the room next to yours when you're trying to sleep, are some of the common issues those living communally face.
Additionally, privacy can be a concern, especially for those used to living alone. However, many modern communities design their setups to respect boundaries, offering private rooms or living areas alongside shared spaces.
Despite these potential hurdles, the benefits often outweigh the drawbacks for those who commit to the communal lifestyle. With clear agreements and open communication, communities can thrive and provide immense value to their members.
The renewed interest in communal living reflects a deeper societal shift. People are seeking more meaningful connections, practical solutions to economic challenges, and ways to live in harmony with the planet.
While communal living may not be for everyone, its growing popularity serves as an important reminder that sometimes, the solutions to modern problems can be found in the wisdom of the past.
Sources: (CNN) (NPR) (BBC)
See also: The sustainable cities made of mud
Why communal living is making a comeback
A solution to modern challenges
HEALTH Community
In the face of skyrocketing living costs, environmental crisis, and a global epidemic of loneliness, an age-old solution is quietly making a comeback: communal living. Once synonymous with the countercultural movements of the 1960s, this way of life is finding new relevance in the 21st century.
In this gallery, explore the different ways of communal living in today’s world and find out why it's the antidote to the stresses of modern life. Click on to get started.