Communal child rearing

This article summarizes quantitative and observational data on early child rearing in the Synanon Foundation, the largest communal child rearing facility in the United States. Synanon considers child rearing to be a communal rather than familial task, emphasizes group rather than individual values, and does not separate home and school. Children are raised in peer groups somewhat apart from the adult/parent community, and values are inculcated through the educational system. Comparisons are drawn with the Israeli kibbutz and Chinese child rearing where appropriate.