HistoryExtra podcast Building utopia after WW1
Aug 9, 2021
Anna Neima, an author and researcher known for her focus on 20th-century communal experiments, dives into the quest for utopia after WWI. She reveals how the war's trauma sparked diverse attempts to create ideal societies across different countries. Highlights include the innovative Dartington Hall's cooperative vision, Gurdjieff's shocking methods, and the enduring appeal of the Bruderhof. Neima discusses why these communal experiments often struggled, emphasizing the importance of a clear manifesto and sustainable economics. Her insights shine a light on the relevance of these movements today.
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Founders Were Seasoned Idealists
- Founders were often experienced idealists who had tried other reform routes before seceding to build communities.
- Age, prior activism, and resources shaped who could lead these experiments, with few women leaders overall.
Limited Progress On Gender Roles
- These utopian communities generally did not pioneer feminist social roles despite some female leaders.
- Gender norms mostly mirrored wider society, though pockets of progressive gender pluralism existed.
Local Backlash Versus National Acclaim
- Locally Dartington faced hostility, rumours and church opposition while gaining national praise in progressive circles.
- Its wealth and inclusiveness made it a hub for experimentation despite local mistrust.