Commitment and compromise: Or a tale of two communities

This thesis explores the forces behind the long term survival of two intentional communities. Formal organization, rules, and commitment to common values are necessary for community longevity. However, adaptability to societal forces is also essential. Therefore, is it possible for intentional communities to adopt survival techniques without compromising some of their original values?; I undertook fieldwork consisting of interviews and observations at two long-lived intentional communities: Shannon Farm and The Farm. I asked questions related to the themes of alienation, community, and the necessary survival techniques the communities have adopted over the years. Threats to these communities included external pressure in the case of The Farm and internal pressure in the case of Shannon. The Farm had to compromise their entire economic system in order to overcome financial woes, while Shannon members discovered a way to manage internal strife and increase their commitment to the community.