Kibbutzim: The Death of Socialism

[monk222]

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I think socialism and egalitarianism has finally died. The kibbutz was the one shining example that lefties liked to hold up of how socialism/communism can work. Well, now you don't even have that:

KIBBUTZ YASUR, Israel — For much of Israel’s existence, the kibbutz embodied its highest ideals: collective labor, love of the land and a no-frills egalitarianism.

But starting in the 1980s, when socialism was on a global downward spiral and the country was mired in hyperinflation, Israel’s 250 or so kibbutzim seemed doomed. Their debt mounted and their group dining halls grew empty as the young moved away.

Now, in a surprising third act, the kibbutzim are again thriving. Only in 2007 they are less about pure socialism than a kind of suburbanized version of it.

On most kibbutzim, food and laundry services are now privatized; on many, houses may be transferred to individual members, and newcomers can buy in. While the major assets of the kibbutzim are still collectively owned, the communities are now largely run by professional managers rather than by popular vote. And, most important, not everyone is paid the same.

Once again, people are lining up to get in.

Walden Two has long been my dream of the perfect society, and I will probably die with that ideal in my heart. But it is like a dream of love, based more on emotional need than anything real.


(Source: Isabel Kershner for The New York Times)

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