The Communitarians is an intriguing photo series, captured by photographer Aaron Cohen, that documents life in Twin Oaks, a Virginian commune established in 1967 as part of a movement to live off the land. The commune is modeled on ideals put forward by novelist and psychologist B.F. Skinner. The commune still adheres to the principles of sustainable living and shared labor.
The Twin Oaks community shares income between members and operates on a labor credit system, with the average resident working 42 hours a week doing things ranging from farming to childcare. The community, currently comprising 100 people, meets each day for meals
The Communitarians photo series captures Twin Oaks in black and white, as if to mark the stark contrast between long-established values and modern technology that exist side-by-side.
What's Driving This Trend
- Sustainable Living
- Opportunity for businesses to develop products and services that support sustainable living, such as eco-friendly home goods and renewable energy solutions.
- Communal Living
- Potential for disrupting the housing industry by creating innovative living arrangements that promote community and shared resources.
- Digital Detox
- Opportunity to provide experiences or products that help individuals disconnect from technology and embrace a simpler, more mindful way of living.
Who This Affects Most
- Home Goods
- Companies in the home goods industry can explore eco-friendly and sustainable product lines that align with the values of communal and sustainable living.
- Real Estate
- Real estate developers can create unique and innovative housing communities that foster a sense of community and shared resources.
- Wellness and Mindfulness
- Businesses in the wellness industry can offer digital detox retreats or tools to help individuals disconnect from technology and practice mindfulness in their daily lives.
