Measuring Success in Intentional Communities: A Critical Evaluation of Commitment and Longevity Theories

Rubin, Zach; Willis, Don; Ludwig, Mayana

doi:10.1080/02732173.2019.1645063

Cited by 12 publications

(15 citation statements)

References 16 publications

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“…[16] using the Satisfaction with Life Scale [17], ecovillagers are happier than almost any other measured demographic in the United States and Canada. This can be explained, at least in part, by features commonly found in groups living communally, like consensus decision-making processes that give members a sense of buy-in to the community's governance processes [18]. An expanded sense of community ethic and satisfaction with their ability to participate in community decision making [12] may also contribute to this.…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ecovillagers’ Assessment of Sustainability: Differing Perceptions of Technology as a Differing Account of Modernism

Rubin

2019

Sustainability

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There is great debate over how to measure progress towards ecological sustainability, and a number of approaches deployed by various groups to try and achieve it. One of these is the “ecovillage,” a form of communal living—the primary purpose of which is to enable a reduction in consumption through the collectivization of resources. This paper presents a case study of an ecovillage named Dancing Rabbit, which stands as an example counter to mainstream discourses on progress through the relatively successful approach to ecological sustainability. In the dwellings they have built, their resource consumption patterns, and the diverse attitudes towards technology use that they express, the ecovillagers in this study demonstrate narratives of progress which center an ecological motive over one of profitable innovation. Rather than rely on modernist assumptions of engineering our way to sustainable living through advanced technology or embrace primitivist notions of rejecting it all together, the case study of Dancing Rabbit presents an approach functioning as an alternative to that prevailing dichotomy.

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Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ecovillagers’ Assessment of Sustainability: Differing Perceptions of Technology as a Differing Account of Modernism

Rubin

2019

Sustainability

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“…As the responses are given by individual ecovillagers, a level of subjectivity is unavoidable. Similarly conducted studies in ecovillage research have also experienced the limitation of household-level-style responses, for example [11]. This warrants attention in future studies.…”

Section: Limitations Of the Survey And Further Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…An alternative model for the design and reorganisation of living is explored within intentional communities, such as ecovillages [8,9]. An ecovillage is a community that is consciously designed through locally owned participatory processes in all dimensions of sustainability (social, culture, ecology, and economy) to regenerate social and natural environments [10,11]. Some central principles of ecovillage living are to share spaces and to live self-sufficiently through socially and ecologically conscious lifestyle choices [11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Scaling Up Ecovillagers’ Lifestyles Can Help to Decarbonise Europe

et al. 2022

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Decarbonisation is an essential response to the threat of climate change. To achieve Europe’s net-zero 2050 climate targets, radical technological and social changes are required. Lifestyle changes for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are an important component of complex systemic transformation. The typical behaviour of inhabitants in ecovillages is potentially more conducive to sustainable lifestyles than the current European standard lifestyle. This study explores the potential of ecovillagers' lifestyles to contribute to decarbonisation using the Multilevel Perspective (MLP) theoretical framework. The research data were obtained through the model tool EUCalc and an online survey of 73 ecovillage residents in 24 European countries. The results indicate that current ecovillagers’ lifestyles, regarding home, consumption, diet, and mobility, would continue to produce 40% fewer emissions per capita than the standard European lifestyle by 2050. The study identifies which ecovillage behaviours would produce the largest reductions in per-capita CO2eq emissions if adopted by society more broadly.

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“…Some of these projects have been named intentional communities. Standing as communal solutions to such discontentment, they are a place where a group of people seeks to develop their own lifestyle, fulfill shared values and objectives, and promote a better society and way of life (Mulder et al, 2006;Meijering et al, 2007;Sargisson, 2010;Lockyer et al, 2011;Rubin et al, 2019). As the development of a community is their main objective, some studies associate these projects with the production of some benefits (Meijering, 2006;Mulder et al, 2006;Sargisson, 2010;Lockyer et al, 2011), among 1 We would like to thank anonymous reviewers for their helpful comments that have greatly improved this article.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Helping hands: intentional communities and social capital development. Evidence from Portugal

Conceição,

Mota,

Pinto

2024

Rev. Sociol. Polit.

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Introduction: Building upon the theoretical frameworks of Pierre Bourdieu and Nan Lin regarding social capital, this study examined the capacity of two Portuguese intentional communities (ICs) to cultivate and promote social capital. Our goal was to assess the decommodification potential of these alternative social structures and their role in mitigating social inequality. Materials and methods: Our data collection involved a combination of participant observation and semi-structured interviews. Additionally, we employed slightly adapted versions of social capital mapping and measurement techniques, incorporating the identification of contacts with prestigious positions/occupations (Position-Generator) and access to relevant resources (Resource-Generator). Results: Our findings indicate that social networks developed in the context of intentional communities can play a crucial role in promoting the accumulation of economic benefits and human capital, as well as in fostering the development of social identity and offering emotional support. However, notable disparities emerged between the two case studies concerning their capacity to reduce market dependence and the value of the different forms of mobilized social capital. In one instance, community economies based on collective, profitable activities effectively addressed basic needs through communal labour. Conversely, in the other case, while community economies based on individual enterprises reduced the personal costs associated with meeting basic needs, this led to increased dependence on external, temporary employment. Within this context, individual social capital, such as intra-community relationships, emerges as pivotal for securing economic gains, such as enhanced employability and the acquisition of new skills. Discussion: The internal structure of intentional communities directly impacts the development of social capital and the reduction of market dependence, thereby playing a crucial role in promoting equality and inclusion. While intentional communities offer emotional benefits, they may also present barriers to entry for individuals with limited financial resources. Continued longitudinal studies are essential to assess whether the initial diversity within these communities translates into social equality and to identify the contributing factors to such outcomes.

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Measuring Success in Intentional Communities: A Critical Evaluation of Commitment and Longevity Theories

Cited by 12 publications

References 16 publications

Ecovillagers’ Assessment of Sustainability: Differing Perceptions of Technology as a Differing Account of Modernism

Ecovillagers’ Assessment of Sustainability: Differing Perceptions of Technology as a Differing Account of Modernism

Scaling Up Ecovillagers’ Lifestyles Can Help to Decarbonise Europe

Helping hands: intentional communities and social capital development. Evidence from Portugal

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