Ran Abramitzky on the Mystery of the Kibbutz

Communal Living

The kibbutzim in Israel represent a unique experiment in communal living, where private property was non-existent, and resources were shared equally among members. Ran Abramitzky explains that this system included communal dining and even communal child-rearing, with children living separately from their parents to instill the ideals of equality 1. However, this strict adherence to equality also brought challenges, particularly in maintaining incentives for personal growth and contribution. Russ Roberts notes that while the kibbutzim managed to solve some incentive problems, they faced difficulties similar to the tragedy of the commons, where communal resources risk being overused 2.

   

Education & Ideology

Education played a crucial role in maintaining the ideological foundations of the kibbutzim, yet it struggled to convince newer generations of its appeal. Russ Roberts highlights that the kibbutzim's educational system aimed to instill a sense of shared responsibility and equality, but it often discouraged individualism, leading many to leave in pursuit of personal aspirations 3. Ran Abramitzky describes the kibbutzim as a voluntary choice to live under a 100% tax rate, where all earnings were shared, which was appealing to some but not all 4.

   

Family Dynamics

Family dynamics within the kibbutz system were shaped by communal values, yet faced challenges in retaining members across generations. Ran Abramitzky shares that while the kibbutzim provided a caring environment, especially for the elderly, the practical aspects of communal living often led to a decline in strong ideological commitment among younger generations 5. Gifts and reparations posed unique challenges, as they tested the commitment of members to the collective over personal gain 6.