Cohousing-L Mailing List: RE: Discrimination and political stereotypes

[Greg Dunn (MyLists]

I just ran across this passage, which seems at least tangentially
relevant to this discussion of discrimination and stereotypes, from
Katie McCamant & Charles Durrett's _Cohousing_ book.  The passage
discusses Overdrevet, a Danish cohousing community:

"Overdrevet is the only Danish cohousing community with a strong
ideological orientation, as reflected in the political cohesiveness of
the group and its concern with external causes, such as national
elections and Central American conflicts. While this ideological
commitment nurtures a strong community sentiment in most of Overdrevet's
residents, for some it becomes overbearing. A former resident comment,
'You have to be strong to live in Overdrevet; there are big discussions
about the "right" way to raise children and the "right" way to live.'

"In no other cohousing community we visited did residents have such
strong feelings. For those who like Overdrevet, 'it is the best place in
the world.' But it is also the only cohousing community that has had
problems selling houses. Four houses were for sale when we visited in
1985; one had been on the market for two years. With so many households
wanting to move out but unable to, there was considerable strain within
the community. In its desire for a strong shared ideology, Overdrevet
has limited its pool of potential residents. They have made this choice
consciously, and are determined to work out their difficulties without
compromising their ideological stance. While Overdrevet's commitment to
is founding ideals is commendable, its experience demonstrates the
difference between asking residents to share facilities and to share a
world perspective."

Let a thousand flowers bloom!

Greg Dunn


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