A commune tends to be self-managed, more like a co-op. But unlike co-ops, which at least in New York real estate terms describes a group that co-manages an apartment building but largely lives separate lives, in communes the residents share the majority of their space and resources.

What is the purpose of a commune?

The communes had governmental, political, and economic functions during the Cultural Revolution. The people's commune was commonly known for the collective activities within them, including labor and meal preparation, which allowed for workers to share local welfare.

What are hippie communes like?

A hippy commune is where a group of people come together to share everything.. Everything? Pretty much! People with similar ideals and beliefs come together in either one big house or several houses on the same plot of land.