Family Ideals on Trial: A 1980s Rotterdam Communal Experiment

This thesis examines the family abolition project of a Rotterdam commune from 1980 – 1987, and its subsequent criminalization, and the influence it had on state actions and societal norms. The project aimed to dismantle the traditional nuclear family model, suggesting that collective living and child-rearing may help challenge capitalist structures. In this research, an interdisciplinary approach is used, drawing from critical theory, feminist and queer theory, media studies as well. The study found four key areas: tensions between traditional family practices and communal life; criminalization and sensationalism of the group; discourse on morality and moralism; resistance against marginalization. It became apparent that media upheld traditional family values by labeling the communal living activities’ as deviant or immoral. This resulted in intense criminalization involving raids by police as well as removal of children. The findings emphasize the significant state and societal aversion to non-traditional family structures and the influence of mass media in molding public opinion. The communal group’s ideology and practices challenged both existing norms and exposed limitations and biases within the capitalist framework regarding family and sexuality. In addition, this research paper contributes to the ongoing discourse on family dynamics, sexuality and at communal living, emphasizing the need for a critical evaluation of societal values and power structures.