In Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture, author Shannon Hayes shares the story of a new domestic lifestyle emerging across our country. Shannon’s call for firsthand accounts from radical homemakers received over 200 responses. She visited and studied 20 different families, whose quotes and insights are sprinkled throughout the book. I can’t wait to get to the end, where she includes a profile of each family. But no racing ahead for me; I’m along for the ride.
In chapter 1 Shannon notes that every radical homemaker begins their journey with “renouncing.” This first stage is characterized by free thinking, which sets the stage for a different way of life. These people,
“were fluent in the mental exercise of rethinking the givens of our society and coming to the following conclusions: nobody (who matters) cares what (or if) you drive; housing does not have to cost more than a single moderate income can afford (and can even cost less); it is okay to accept help from family and friends, to let go of the perceived ideal of independence and strive instead for interdependence; health can be achieved without making monthly payments to an insurance company; child care is not a fixed cost; education can be acquired for free – it does not have to be bought; and retirement is possible, regardless of income.” (pg. 16).
Though some of these ideas sound radical, even to me, it’s refreshing and exciting to hear about real people who have chosen a path that gives them the freedom to live simple, authentic and meaningful lives. I’m interested to hear more of the “why” and “how” to see if their choices might spark new change in my life (Confession: I skipped ahead last night to the health care section and it was very thought-provoking. Definitely ripe for discussion).
I identify very closely with this “renouncing” idea. I feel like I’ve been choosing option “other” for a long time now. Moving from our expensive hometown in CA to an affordable area of South Carolina, was a renouncement of sorts. We said “no” to a happening, affluent place and “yes” to an area that allows us to make a living. Fortunately, much of our extended family came along. Other renouncings: opting to audit college courses rather than purchase a degree; choosing to homeschool our children; starting/struggling along with my own part-time business; buying organic foods and raw milk on our tight budget; selling our nice house in the suburbs for a fixer-upper on land; going TV-free for our children; and the list could go on.
The trouble with renouncing is clear for anyone who’s been on this side of the story – it’s quite uncomfortable. Yes, there’s an amazing sense of freedom and excitement, but there’s also droves of people (many whom you love and respect) who don’t understand your choices at all. Those who take the time to understand may feel a sense of rejection and distance inherent in the process of renouncing. I wonder if Shannon will touch on this tension in her book.
I find it immensely important to nurture relationships with other men and women who approach life a little radically. Playdates and sewing nights in like-minded community are essential oasis of encouragement in the flow of my week. On the other hand, I also greatly appreciate those friendships with more “mainstream” women who know a good bit about my lifestyle, and yet are able to continue the relationship with comfort, happy disagreement and a dash of curiosity.
Related posts:
- Affluenza
- What is a Radical Homemaker?
- Waldorf at Home – A Routine that Works for Us
- A Waldorf Toy Revolution
- A Creative Family Lifestyle
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