Key Principles and Practices

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 64 views

Introduction

The Oneida Community, established in 1848 in upstate New York, was a unique and fascinating example of a utopian community. Founded by John Humphrey Noyes, a charismatic leader and social reformer, the community aimed to create a society based on equality, shared resources, and collective decision-making. This article will delve into the history and characteristics of the Oneida Community, exploring its significance as a pioneering example of a utopian community.

What was the Oneida Community?

The Oneida Community was a communal society that operated from 1848 to 1880. It was established on a 90,000-acre farm in Oneida County, New York, and was initially known as the "Bible Communism" or "Perfectionist Community." The community was founded by John Humphrey Noyes, a former Congregational minister who had become disillusioned with traditional Christianity. Noyes believed that the Bible taught that the second coming of Christ had already occurred, and that the community was a manifestation of this event.

Key Principles and Practices

The Oneida Community was based on several key principles and practices, including:

Shared Resources: The community shared all resources, including food, clothing, and housing. Members worked together to manage the farm, and all decisions were made collectively.
Equality: The community was based on the principle of equality, with all members having equal status and decision-making power.
No Private Property: The community did not recognize private property, and all members shared in the use of resources.
Free Love: The community practiced a form of free love, where members were free to choose their partners and engage in sexual relationships without the constraints of traditional marriage.
Collective Decision-Making: All decisions were made collectively, with members gathering regularly to discuss and decide on important issues.

Life in the Oneida Community

Life in the Oneida Community was highly structured and disciplined. Members rose early each morning to engage in physical labor, such as farming or craftsmanship. They then attended a series of meetings and lectures, which included discussions on spirituality, morality, and community issues. Members were also expected to participate in communal meals, which were eaten together in a large dining hall.

The Community's Economy

The Oneida Community was a self-sufficient economy, with members producing their own food, clothing, and other essential goods. The community was also involved in various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and trade. Members were paid a salary for their work, but all profits were reinvested in the community.

The Community's Social Structure

The Oneida Community had a unique social structure, with members organized into a series of "orders" or "classes." These orders were based on the member's level of spiritual development, with the most advanced members holding positions of leadership and authority.

The Community's Decline

The Oneida Community began to decline in the late 1870s, due to a combination of factors, including internal conflicts, economic difficulties, and external pressures. In 1880, the community was officially dissolved, and its assets were sold to a group of investors.

Legacy of the Oneida Community

The Oneida Community was a pioneering example of a utopian community, and its legacy continues to be felt today. The community's emphasis on shared resources, equality, and collective decision-making has influenced the development of modern communal societies. The community's experiment with free love and collective living has also been the subject of much interest and debate.

Conclusion

The Oneida Community was a unique and fascinating example of a utopian community. Founded by John Humphrey Noyes in 1848, the community aimed to create a society based on equality, shared resources, and collective decision-making. While the community ultimately declined and was dissolved, its legacy continues to be felt today. The Oneida Community remains an important example of the power of communal living and the potential for human beings to create a more just and equitable society.

References

Noyes, J. H. (1870). History of American Socialisms. New York: D. Appleton and Company.
Noyes, J. H. (1881). The Oneida Community: A History. New York: D. Appleton and Company.
Taylor, A. (1992). Oneida: A Community in the American Spirit. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Taylor, A. (1993). The Oneida Community: A Study in Utopianism. New York: Cambridge University Press.
The Oneida Community: A Q&A Guide =====================================

Introduction

Q: What was the Oneida Community?

A: The Oneida Community was a communal society that operated from 1848 to 1880. It was established on a 90,000-acre farm in Oneida County, New York, and was initially known as the "Bible Communism" or "Perfectionist Community."

Q: Who founded the Oneida Community?

A: The Oneida Community was founded by John Humphrey Noyes, a charismatic leader and social reformer. Noyes was a former Congregational minister who had become disillusioned with traditional Christianity.

Q: What were the key principles and practices of the Oneida Community?

A: The Oneida Community was based on several key principles and practices, including:

Shared Resources: The community shared all resources, including food, clothing, and housing.
Equality: The community was based on the principle of equality, with all members having equal status and decision-making power.
No Private Property: The community did not recognize private property, and all members shared in the use of resources.
Free Love: The community practiced a form of free love, where members were free to choose their partners and engage in sexual relationships without the constraints of traditional marriage.
Collective Decision-Making: All decisions were made collectively, with members gathering regularly to discuss and decide on important issues.

Q: What was life like in the Oneida Community?

A: Life in the Oneida Community was highly structured and disciplined. Members rose early each morning to engage in physical labor, such as farming or craftsmanship. They then attended a series of meetings and lectures, which included discussions on spirituality, morality, and community issues. Members were also expected to participate in communal meals, which were eaten together in a large dining hall.

Q: How did the Oneida Community manage its economy?

A: The Oneida Community was a self-sufficient economy, with members producing their own food, clothing, and other essential goods. The community was also involved in various industries, including manufacturing, agriculture, and trade. Members were paid a salary for their work, but all profits were reinvested in the community.

Q: What was the social structure of the Oneida Community?

A: The Oneida Community had a unique social structure, with members organized into a series of "orders" or "classes." These orders were based on the member's level of spiritual development, with the most advanced members holding positions of leadership and authority.

Q: Why did the Oneida Community decline?

A: The Oneida Community began to decline in the late 1870s, due to a combination of factors, including internal conflicts, economic difficulties, and external pressures. In 1880, the community was officially dissolved, and its assets were sold to a group of investors.

Q: What is the legacy of the Oneida Community?

A: The Oneida Community was a pioneering example of a utopian community, and its legacy continues to be felt today. The community's emphasis on shared resources, equality, and collective decision-making has influenced the development of modern communal societies. The community's experiment with free love and collective living has also been the subject of much interest and debate.

Q: Where can I learn more about the Oneida Community?

A: There are several resources available for learning more about the Oneida Community, including:

Books: "History of American Socialisms" by John Humphrey Noyes, "The Oneida Community: A History" by John Humphrey Noyes, and "Oneida: A Community in the American Spirit" by Arthur Taylor.
Online Resources: The Oneida Community website, the Oneida Community Museum, and the Oneida County Historical Society.
Documentaries: "The Oneida Community" (PBS, 2002) and "Oneida: A Community in the American Spirit" (PBS, 2003).

Conclusion

The Oneida Community was a unique and fascinating example of a utopian community. Founded by John Humphrey Noyes in 1848, the community aimed to create a society based on equality, shared resources, and collective decision-making. This Q&A guide has provided an overview of the community's history, principles, and practices, as well as its legacy and impact on modern society.