Didn't really work out--Kibbutzim--

AI Overview

The kibbutz: 100 years old and facing an uncertain future ...

Israeli kibbutzim are communal settlements that were originally founded on principles of social justice, equality, and collective ownership, with residents sharing labor and resources. The first kibbutz, Kibbutz Degania, was established in 1910, and the movement was vital to the early state of Israel. While the traditional model with communal child-rearing and shared property has evolved, many kibbutzim still exist, with some privatizing and others continuing as collective communities.

Founding and Ideals

A Utopian Vision: The kibbutz was envisioned as a utopian socialist society.

Zionism and Pioneering: Many early members were young Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe who came to reclaim the land and forge a new life for themselves.

Community of Equals: The founders sought to create a new society based on mutual aid, equality, and cooperation.

The Traditional Model

Shared Labor and Property: Residents worked for the kibbutz, and all property was owned collectively.

Communal Child-Rearing: In many early kibbutzim, children were raised in communal children's houses, fostering a principle of equality and communal responsibility. Decision-Making: Decisions were made democratically by all members.

Evolution of the Kibbutz

The Rise of Capitalism: The establishment of the state of Israel, with its increasing bureaucracy and shift towards capitalism, influenced the kibbutz movement.

Privatization: Many kibbutzim have since undergone changes, with some privatizing and adopting more capitalist structures, while others have evolved into holiday retreats or eco-villages.

Modern Kibbutzim: Today, there are religious, green, and even urban kibbutzim, showing the movement's adaptability.

Contemporary Kibbutzim

Continued Existence: Over 125,000 people live in kibbutzim in Israel today.

Variety in Structure: While some kibbutzim remain deeply collective, others now allow members more individual autonomy and financial independence, distributing income based on household size.

Economic Activities: Many kibbutzim now run factories and are involved in industrialized agriculture, with some even listed on the stock exchange.