Collective - Definition and Overview

A collective is a group of people who are organized around an issue or to accomplish a goal together. Collectives can have many different features, but one that unites them is an egalitarian or non-hierarchical way of relating. Meetings are often conducted using the consensus process.

A collective household, also called commune or intentional community, is a group of people living together in a house, apartment, or in some other arrangement such as sharing land together. Collective households may be organized around a specific project such as a business, around raising children, or based upon shared interests.

See also: The Collective