phalanstery

/ˈfælənˌstɛri/
noun
  1. A self-contained community or building where people live and work together cooperatively, based on the ideas of the French philosopher Charles Fourier.
    • The group of artists dreamed of building a phalanstery where everyone would share resources and labor.
    • The commune was designed as a phalanstery, with shared kitchens, gardens, and workshops.
    • In the 19th century, several experimental phalansteries were established in the United States.
  2. Any close-knit group or organization that functions like a cooperative community.
    • The small village turned into a phalanstery, where neighbors helped each other with farming and childcare.
    • Their book club had become a phalanstery of sorts, with members sharing meals and discussing ideas.
    • The startup operated like a phalanstery, with all employees sharing profits and decision-making.
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