Conflicts and Conflict Management in Intentional Communities

Intentional communities combine complex economic organizations with member-run governance. As in any human organization, conflicts arise—whether between members, officials, or external entities. These communities seek to manage disputes locally, often avoiding formal mechanisms like state courts. Many rely on bylaws and committees, adjusting their conflict-resolution strategies over time. Strategic decisions often require broad consensus, pushing members to refine their approaches to agreement. This volume explores how various intentional communities—such as kibbutzim, eco-villages, and cooperative housing—navigate internal and external conflicts. The book contains both theoretical analysis and research articles written specifically for this volume, alongside innovative practical methods developed and tested to resolve conflicts that arise in intentional communities.