Easy Sociology
  • Sociology Hub
    • Sociology Questions & Answers
    • Sociology Dictionary
    • Books, Journals, Papers
    • Guides & How To’s
    • Life Around The World
    • Research Methods
    • Sociological Perspectives
      • Feminism
      • Functionalism
      • Marxism
      • Postmodernism
      • Social Constructionism
      • Structuralism
      • Symbolic Interactionism
    • Sociology Theorists
  • Sociologies
    • General Sociology
    • Social Policy
    • Social Work
    • Sociology of Childhood
    • Sociology of Crime & Deviance
    • Sociology of Culture
      • Sociology of Art
      • Sociology of Dance
      • Sociology of Food
      • Sociology of Sport
    • Sociology of Disability
    • Sociology of Economics
    • Sociology of Education
    • Sociology of Emotion
    • Sociology of Family & Relationships
    • Sociology of Gender
    • Sociology of Health
    • Sociology of Identity
    • Sociology of Ideology
    • Sociology of Inequalities
    • Sociology of Knowledge
    • Sociology of Language
    • Sociology of Law
    • Sociology of Media
      • Sociology of Anime
      • Sociology of Film
      • Sociology of Gaming
      • Sociology of Literature
      • Sociology of Music
      • Sociology of TV
    • Sociology of Migration
    • Sociology of Nature & Environment
    • Sociology of Politics
    • Sociology of Power
    • Sociology of Race & Ethnicity
    • Sociology of Religion
    • Sociology of Sexuality
    • Sociology of Social Movements
    • Sociology of Technology
    • Sociology of the Life Course
    • Sociology of Travel & Tourism
    • Sociology of Violence & Conflict
    • Sociology of Work
    • Urban Sociology
  • A-Level Sociology
    • Families
      • Changing Relationships Within Families
      • Conjugal Role Relationships
      • Criticisms of Families
      • Divorce
      • Family Forms
      • Functions of the Family
  • Featured Articles
  • About
    • Site News
    • Newsletter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact Us
  • Log In
  • Join Now
No Result
View All Result
Easy Sociology
  • Sociology Hub
    • Sociology Questions & Answers
    • Sociology Dictionary
    • Books, Journals, Papers
    • Guides & How To’s
    • Life Around The World
    • Research Methods
    • Sociological Perspectives
      • Feminism
      • Functionalism
      • Marxism
      • Postmodernism
      • Social Constructionism
      • Structuralism
      • Symbolic Interactionism
    • Sociology Theorists
  • Sociologies
    • General Sociology
    • Social Policy
    • Social Work
    • Sociology of Childhood
    • Sociology of Crime & Deviance
    • Sociology of Culture
      • Sociology of Art
      • Sociology of Dance
      • Sociology of Food
      • Sociology of Sport
    • Sociology of Disability
    • Sociology of Economics
    • Sociology of Education
    • Sociology of Emotion
    • Sociology of Family & Relationships
    • Sociology of Gender
    • Sociology of Health
    • Sociology of Identity
    • Sociology of Ideology
    • Sociology of Inequalities
    • Sociology of Knowledge
    • Sociology of Language
    • Sociology of Law
    • Sociology of Media
      • Sociology of Anime
      • Sociology of Film
      • Sociology of Gaming
      • Sociology of Literature
      • Sociology of Music
      • Sociology of TV
    • Sociology of Migration
    • Sociology of Nature & Environment
    • Sociology of Politics
    • Sociology of Power
    • Sociology of Race & Ethnicity
    • Sociology of Religion
    • Sociology of Sexuality
    • Sociology of Social Movements
    • Sociology of Technology
    • Sociology of the Life Course
    • Sociology of Travel & Tourism
    • Sociology of Violence & Conflict
    • Sociology of Work
    • Urban Sociology
  • A-Level Sociology
    • Families
      • Changing Relationships Within Families
      • Conjugal Role Relationships
      • Criticisms of Families
      • Divorce
      • Family Forms
      • Functions of the Family
  • Featured Articles
  • About
    • Site News
    • Newsletter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact Us
  • Log In
  • Join Now
No Result
View All Result
Easy Sociology
No Result
View All Result

Understanding the Concept of Commune in Sociology

Easy Sociology by Easy Sociology
February 18, 2024 - Updated on May 15, 2024
in General Sociology
Home General Sociology
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on PinterestShare on RedditShare on Telegram

In the field of sociology, the term “commune” refers to a specific type of social organization or living arrangement. A commune is a community where individuals voluntarily come together to live and work cooperatively, sharing resources and responsibilities. This concept has been prevalent throughout history and has taken various forms in different societies.

Historical Background

The idea of communal living dates back to ancient times, with examples found in early agricultural societies and religious communities. However, the concept gained significant attention during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly during the rise of utopian and countercultural movements.

One notable example is the emergence of communes during the 1960s and 1970s, largely associated with the hippie counterculture and the desire for alternative lifestyles. These communes aimed to create self-sufficient and egalitarian communities, often rejecting mainstream societal norms and values.

Characteristics of Communes

Communes typically exhibit several key characteristics that distinguish them from other forms of social organization:

  1. Shared Resources: In a commune, resources such as housing, food, and utilities are commonly owned and shared among community members. This collective ownership promotes equality and cooperation.
  2. Collective Decision-Making: Communes often operate on the basis of consensus decision-making, where all members have an equal say in the decision-making process. This fosters a sense of democratic participation and ensures that everyone’s opinions are heard.
  3. Cooperative Labor: Work and responsibilities are shared among commune members. This may involve tasks such as farming, cooking, childcare, or other forms of labor necessary for the community’s functioning.
  4. Alternative Lifestyles: Communes often challenge mainstream societal norms and values, promoting alternative ways of living. This can include practices such as communal child-rearing, non-traditional relationships, or sustainable living.
  5. Intentional Community: Communes are intentional communities, meaning that individuals choose to join and actively participate in the communal lifestyle. This distinguishes them from involuntary or forced communal arrangements.

Types of Communes

Communes can vary widely in their specific goals, values, and organizational structures. Some common types of communes include:

  1. Religious Communes: These communes are often based on religious or spiritual principles, with members sharing a common faith or belief system.
  2. Ecovillages: Ecovillages are communes that prioritize sustainable living and environmental stewardship. They often promote practices such as organic farming, renewable energy, and ecological conservation.
  3. Artistic Communes: These communes are centered around artistic or creative pursuits, providing a supportive environment for artists, musicians, writers, and performers.
  4. Political Communes: Political communes are formed around specific political ideologies or causes, aiming to create alternative models of governance and societal organization.
  5. Intentional Communities: This broader category encompasses communes that are formed based on shared values, interests, or goals that may not necessarily fit into the other specific types.

Contemporary Relevance

While the popularity of communes has fluctuated over time, the concept continues to be relevant in contemporary society. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in communal living as individuals seek alternatives to traditional modes of living and strive for greater social connection and sustainability.

Modern communes often incorporate elements of technology and innovation, utilizing online platforms and digital tools to facilitate communication, decision-making, and resource sharing among community members.

Conclusion

Communes represent a unique form of social organization that challenges conventional notions of individualism and private property. They provide individuals with an opportunity to live cooperatively, sharing resources, responsibilities, and decision-making power. Whether driven by ideological, environmental, or personal motivations, communes continue to offer an alternative vision of community and societal organization.

Tags: communesocial organizationsociology
Easy Sociology

Easy Sociology

Easy Sociology is your go-to resource for clear, accessible, and expert sociological insights. With a foundation built on advanced sociological expertise and a commitment to making complex concepts understandable, Easy Sociology offers high-quality content tailored for students, educators, and enthusiasts. Trusted by readers worldwide, Easy Sociology bridges the gap between academic research and everyday understanding, providing reliable resources for exploring the social world.

Related Articles

A pink and black abstract art piece

Introspectionism Explained

October 3, 2024

Introduction to Introspectionism Introspectionism refers to a method of examining one’s own conscious thoughts and feelings. This method, often associated...

An abstract DNA like art piece in hues of blue, purple, and yellow

Exploring the Tarde Cycle

November 2, 2024

Introduction to the Tarde Cycle The Tarde Cycle is a sociological model developed by Gabriel Tarde, a 19th-century French sociologist...

Next Post
a person engaged in online activism in a dark room

Understanding Fatalism in Sociology

Rows and rows and identitcal seats representing assimilation

Generational Assimilation in Sociology

An open air market with people walking in the road

Marketisation in Sociology: An Outline and Explanation

Please login to join discussion

GET THE LATEST SOCIOLOGY

Get the latest sociology articles direct to you inbox with the Easy Sociology newsletter. (We don't spam or sell your email).

POLL

How Can We Improve Easy Sociology?

Recommended

A young child living in poverty

The Role of Economic Inequality in Strain Theory

November 19, 2024
silhouette of female prisoner - crime and deviance

Adaptation and Change in Relation to Functionalist Ideas of Crime and Deviance

January 2, 2024 - Updated on May 15, 2024

24 Hour Trending

  • a black punk giving the middle finger - school counter culture

    Understanding Delinquency: Causes, Consequences, and Sociological Theories

    611 shares
    Share 244 Tweet 153
  • Understanding Conflict Theories in Sociology

    1652 shares
    Share 661 Tweet 413
  • Understanding the Concept of Liquid Modernity in Sociology

    1239 shares
    Share 496 Tweet 310
  • Wimbledon and Social Class

    36 shares
    Share 14 Tweet 9
  • Elements of Fascism in Reform UK Party

    494 shares
    Share 198 Tweet 124

Easy Sociology makes sociology as easy as possible. Our aim is to make sociology accessible for everybody.

© 2023 Easy Sociology

No Result
View All Result
  • Sociology Hub
    • Sociology Questions & Answers
    • Sociology Dictionary
    • Books, Journals, Papers
    • Guides & How To’s
    • Life Around The World
    • Research Methods
    • Sociological Perspectives
      • Feminism
      • Functionalism
      • Marxism
      • Postmodernism
      • Social Constructionism
      • Structuralism
      • Symbolic Interactionism
    • Sociology Theorists
  • Sociologies
    • General Sociology
    • Social Policy
    • Social Work
    • Sociology of Childhood
    • Sociology of Crime & Deviance
    • Sociology of Culture
      • Sociology of Art
      • Sociology of Dance
      • Sociology of Food
      • Sociology of Sport
    • Sociology of Disability
    • Sociology of Economics
    • Sociology of Education
    • Sociology of Emotion
    • Sociology of Family & Relationships
    • Sociology of Gender
    • Sociology of Health
    • Sociology of Identity
    • Sociology of Ideology
    • Sociology of Inequalities
    • Sociology of Knowledge
    • Sociology of Language
    • Sociology of Law
    • Sociology of Media
      • Sociology of Anime
      • Sociology of Film
      • Sociology of Gaming
      • Sociology of Literature
      • Sociology of Music
      • Sociology of TV
    • Sociology of Migration
    • Sociology of Nature & Environment
    • Sociology of Politics
    • Sociology of Power
    • Sociology of Race & Ethnicity
    • Sociology of Religion
    • Sociology of Sexuality
    • Sociology of Social Movements
    • Sociology of Technology
    • Sociology of the Life Course
    • Sociology of Travel & Tourism
    • Sociology of Violence & Conflict
    • Sociology of Work
    • Urban Sociology
  • A-Level Sociology
    • Families
      • Changing Relationships Within Families
      • Conjugal Role Relationships
      • Criticisms of Families
      • Divorce
      • Family Forms
      • Functions of the Family
  • Featured Articles
  • About
    • Site News
    • Newsletter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Contact Us
  • Log In
  • Join Now

© 2025 Easy Sociology

We use information collected through cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience on our site, analyse how you use it and for marketing purposes.
Privacy Policy

Your privacy settings

We and our partners use information collected through cookies and similar technologies to improve your experience on our site, analyse how you use it and for marketing purposes. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. In some cases, data obtained from cookies is shared with third parties for analytics or marketing reasons. You can exercise your right to opt-out of that sharing at any time by disabling cookies.
Privacy Policy
Allow all

Manage Consent Preferences

Necessary

Always ON
These cookies and scripts are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, suchas setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block oralert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do notstore any personally identifiable information.

Analytics

These cookies and scripts allow us to count visits and traffic sources, so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies and scripts, we will not know when you have visited our site.

Embedded Videos

These cookies and scripts may be set through our site by external video hosting services likeYouTube or Vimeo. They may be used to deliver video content on our website. It’s possible for the video provider to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on this or other websites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies or scripts it is possible that embedded video will not function as expected.

Google Fonts

Google Fonts is a font embedding service library. Google Fonts are stored on Google's CDN. The Google Fonts API is designed to limit the collection, storage, and use of end-user data to only what is needed to serve fonts efficiently. Use of Google Fonts API is unauthenticated. No cookies are sent by website visitors to the Google Fonts API. Requests to the Google Fonts API are made to resource-specific domains, such as fonts.googleapis.com or fonts.gstatic.com. This means your font requests are separate from and don't contain any credentials you send to google.com while using other Google services that are authenticated, such as Gmail.

Marketing

These cookies and scripts may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies and scripts, you will experience less targeted advertising.
Confirm my choices Allow all
×