Debate and Panel on Utopias Family Structure

A panel discussion about utopias with thinkers like Dass, Montagu, and Ginsberg discussing their ideal utopia's family structure.

THE PEOPLE'S ALMANAC'S EXCLUSIVE SYMPOSIUM ON UTOPIA

2. What family structures would exist?

Asimov: This would be a matter of choice. There might be the ordinary families of today, but there would also be a much wider choice of comradeship. Increasingly, ectogenesis and variations of the kibbutz would break down the importance of genetic connections.

Buckley: See Old Testament.

Dass: The basic unit would be monogamous, and these units would be grouped in communities containing up to 50 families. But there would be ample opportunities for other style choices.

Fadiman: Present family structure, with a maximum of two children after the present population has been reduced by at least 90%. Some decent provision for the aged.

Ginsberg: Loose polysexual groups.

Michener: Age 18-28, communal living with all earnings going into a community pot. Age 28-58, a private home, with children and a legally married wife. Age 58-98, communal living, with all income shared, a community commissary, community health services.

Montagu: The extended family would be dominant.

Untermeyer: There should be no strict definition as to what constitutes a family. Nor should there be the conventional obligations. The ties of the family should be loose. You shouldn't be required to love--or even be bothered with--an aunt, an uncle, or all sorts of cousins, just because they're related to you.