Care for the Self as Government Strategy in Ecovillages

Abstract

ABSTRACT Based on participant observations in two ecovillages the objective of this paper is to uncover the processes of subjectivation embedded in the care for the self in ecovillages that contribute to individual and community development. Our analysis led to the following conclusions: 1) even in different countries, care for the self and others is a government strategy of the ecovillages and had many similarities; 2) work individual issues are a crucial aspect to live in a community, and 3) the infrastructure and demography are important to understanding the processes of subjectivation in the communities. Our analysis also indicates that some level of government is crucial for helping people to take care of themselves.

Keywords

• Ecovillage
• Community
• Care for the self
• Government
• Michel Foucault