I know quite a few people who grew up on a kibbutz, Israeli communes that were formed mostly in the early 20th century. Most of them "privatized" in the last ge

I know quite a few people who grew up on a kibbutz, Israeli communes that were formed mostly in the early 20th century. Most of them "privatized" in the last generation. They were quite successful. One of the bigger modern examples. A noteworthy point made by most first-handers is that "mission" was a necessary component. Kibbutzim often offered a relatively pleasant lifestyle, but lifestyle alone could not keep them alive. They needed to be fulfilling a greater purpose. For Kibbutzim the mission was zionism, socialism or other ideal. "Ideology" is an important concept to kibbutzniks. Kibbutz lifestyle and economics were good when the movement started to recede. It was the changing ideals that killed it, especially the decline of socialist beliefs in the 80s & 90s. I think it's also notable that a lot of communes exist in the world. Most are religious. Many are quirky, even cultish. This probably provides the "greater mission" old kibbutzniks insist is essential to success. A lot of the modern, secular equivalents are "eco villages." I could imagine a libertarian one or other anarchist idea set.