I've never thought of myself, being a solo dweller, as being a part of a social phenomenon. But according to this article, I am (click above). I have thought about it in the past, but through the lens of my "carbon footprint". I recall taking a quiz on David Suzuki's website and realizing that living alone greatly increased my carbon footprint tally. I never considered the social aspect of it, beyond my adoration for a space of solitude and a place I call my "den". Somewhere to just...get away. Now I can see the viewpoint that those of us living alone could be seen as contributing to the trend of less community and more individual. I have been surprised to not yet read articles about adult roommates, considering the demographics in Vancouver (hip, young urbanites), the present economy and the price of rent.
quote from the article:
"When there is a public debate about the rise of living alone, commentators present it as a sign of fragmentation. In fact, the reality of this great social experiment is far more interesting – and far less isolating – than these conversations would have us believe. The rise of living alone has been a transformative social experience. It changes the way we understand ourselves and our most intimate relationships. It shapes the way we build our cities and develop our economies."
and:
'No one told me that I would be most happy in my life when I modelled myself on a nun who runs her own cloister and is alone in it.' - Colm Tóibín
I hear ya Colm! My cloister dream: building a treehouse - inside or outside!
see this readymade idea: camping out at home.
"When there is a public debate about the rise of living alone, commentators present it as a sign of fragmentation. In fact, the reality of this great social experiment is far more interesting – and far less isolating – than these conversations would have us believe. The rise of living alone has been a transformative social experience. It changes the way we understand ourselves and our most intimate relationships. It shapes the way we build our cities and develop our economies."
and:
'No one told me that I would be most happy in my life when I modelled myself on a nun who runs her own cloister and is alone in it.' - Colm Tóibín
I hear ya Colm! My cloister dream: building a treehouse - inside or outside!
see this readymade idea: camping out at home.
