Definition of communal

The word "communal" has its roots in the Latin term "communalis," which means "of the people" or "public." This Latin term is derived from "communis," meaning "common" or "shared." The concept of communality dates back to ancient times, referring to shared resources, property, or social organizations. In the context of sociology, the term "communal" emerged in the 18th century to describe social systems where people shared resources, land, and responsibilities. The term gained popularity in the mid-19th century with the rise of communal living experiments, such as the Oneida Community and the Fourierist Phalanxes, which aimed to create intentional communities based on cooperative economics and shared social life. Today, the term "communal" is used to describe a range of social arrangements, from shared housing and cooperative businesses to online communities and social movements, emphasizing the importance of shared spaces, resources, and social bonds.