The rise of 'intentional living'
About this episode
The episode explores the concept of intentional living and communal living as alternatives to traditional family structures and home ownership.
Does everyone need their own lawnmower? For a lot of people, living with your spouse and kids in a standalone house with a white picket fence is, more or less, the American dream. But people aren’t as likely to get married and have kids as they used to – and buying a house is more unattainable than ever. But even for those who don't share this particular American dream, alternatives -- like living alone or with roommates you don't really talk to -- can sometimes feel alienating, or like a last resort. But the proponents of communal living say things can be different. Communal living can look like co-living – where people choose to live with others in one house or building – or co-housing – which is a community built around a group of houses. They are intentional communities where people build shared lives together – and they don't have to be blood-related or romantically involved. All Things Considered producer Jordan-Marie Smith wanted to know – what might be driving people to live communally? And can communal living be seen as a viable, first choice adult living situation? Jordan-Marie shares her reporting with Brittany on what she found out. For more episodes on culture and…
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