Communal Living

[Ekundayo]

I wanted to share, and get opinions and ideas on a topic that has been heavy in my home for the past few days. The subject is communal living. What are your thoughts on it? Do you think it is possible? What are the different possibilities? Are there any success stories (or cautionary tales) you can share? Let's talk fam!

[Okomfo Akosua]

I think it is possible and support the idea. Just as in an intimate relationship, compatibility is a must. The families must agree on common and basic tenents of living and share common culture and traditions, (what types of food to eat, how to rear children, how to handle disputes, kwk.) Would love to be a part of such a community myself and will seek one out upon my return home.

[NyameNti]

I wanted to share, and get opinions and ideas on a topic that has been heavy in my home for the past few days. The subject is communal living. What are your thoughts on it? Do you think it is possible? What are the different possibilities? Are there any success stories (or cautionary tales) you can share? Let's talk fam!

I think it is the only answer personally to stretching our resources. I agree with @Okomfo Akosua on the issues that need to be discussed. A system that is based on code and integrity are a MUST.

[Yaw Agbede]

Communal living makes sense on multiple levels, but it is easier said than done. Many of the challenges of this type of arrangement were discussed in the thread on community dysfunction. One example of communal living is multiple families sharing a single living space. For me this type of arrangement requires planning similar to how a married couple would plan - discussions on finances, goals, child-rearing, ritual practices, values, dietary choices, kwk.

In retrospect, I would suggest beginning any kind of communal living arrangement with ritual and then flushing out of all of the minute details in all areas of the arrangement.

[Yaw Asare Aboagye]

I don't know of any working models in my area. But the suggestions put forth by everyone are very sound and are a good starting point. I also believe you need support of a community of people outside of the communal. The children within it will eventually interact with other children from outside and that must be taken into account, as to how that will be handled. I've known people who grew up in co-wife households and they had difficult times explaining and/or dealing with their peers reactions to their family arrangement.

[Obadele Kambon]

The children within it will eventually interact with other children from outside and that must be taken into account, as to how that will be handled. I've known people who grew up in co-wife households and they had difficult times explaining and/or dealing with their peers reactions to their family arrangement.

Better teach them kids how to fight!

[Yaw Asare Aboagye]

One particular Brother I know did not get them skills...living in Brooklyn his fate was sealed. But he lived through it to tell me the tales.