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Would you go off the grid for a less stressful life? -

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. 

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Communal living: a brief history -

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.

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Communal living: a brief history -

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.

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Communal living: a brief history -

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.

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How the birth of corporate culture changed perspectives -

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.

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"Nuclear" family explained -

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.

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The resurgence of communal living -

But decades later, a combination of social, economic, and environmental factors is reigniting interest in this cooperative way of life.

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The World Health Organisation has declared loneliness a global health concern -

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.

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Chronic loneliness, a deadly disease -

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.

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Combating the loneliness epidemic -

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.

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Community care -

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.

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Is everything now too "remote"? -

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.

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Cost of living crisis -

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. 

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The economic benefits of shared living -

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.

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The key to healthy aging -

Meanwhile, retirees are finding communal setups appealing as they combine affordability with opportunities for social interaction, crucial for healthy aging.

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Shared resources -

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.

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Eco-conscious -

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.

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Enviromentally friendly -

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.

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Pro-sustainability -

Moreover, living in a community encourages practices like upcycling, composting, and collaborative energy-saving measures, which are more challenging to implement individually.

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The appeal of simplicity -

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.

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Happier and healthier -

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.

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Diversity and inclusiveness -

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. 

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Finding your tribe -

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. 

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Co-housing -

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.

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Online community -

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.

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Challenges and considerations -

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.

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Challenges and considerations -

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.

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Challenges and considerations -

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.

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The benefits usually trump any hurdles -

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.

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Looking ahead -

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.

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Learning from our ancestors -

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

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