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AQA GCSE · Question 03 · Families

Describe one example of a commune.

How to approach this question

To answer this question, you need to name a specific example of a commune and then describe its key features. A good answer will identify the commune (1 mark), and then provide two distinct points describing how it operates, focusing on aspects like shared property, collective living, or child-rearing practices (2 marks).

Full Answer

One example of a commune is the Israeli Kibbutz. This is a community where property is owned collectively and decisions are made by the group. Traditionally in a kibbutz, children were raised together in communal children's houses rather than by their biological parents, and adults shared work roles such as cooking, cleaning, and farming, challenging traditional family structures.
A commune is a form of alternative family or intentional community where a group of people live together, sharing possessions, wealth, and responsibilities. They often challenge the norms of the traditional nuclear family, for example by having collective ownership of property and shared responsibility for child-rearing. The Israeli Kibbutz is a famous example where members work on the land (often a farm) and live a collective lifestyle.

Common mistakes

A common mistake is to give a vague description of a commune without naming a specific, real-world example. Another is to describe a different type of alternative family, like a co-habiting couple, instead of a commune.

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