Shakers: Close to a Utopia?

Shakers: Close to a Utopia?

            The Shaker community was overall one of the most successful intentional communities of the 1800’s and one of the only ones that left a lasting impression on the world.  The shakers, named for their intense religious worshiping were a unique culture, united over the common idea of worshipping God.  In many ways, the Shakers were similar to other communal establishments of the time, in that they believed in equality between all of their members and sharing common property.  However, in many ways the Shakers were far ahead of other intentional communities and even modern society.  From this an interesting question arises: while the Shakers and their values were unique and far ahead of the time, were they truly a successful utopian community?

            On one side, it could be argued that the Shakers were very successful in that they introduced a new standard of living to their members and progressive ideas that would not be seen for another hundred or more years.  The shakers were especially known for their cleanliness and organization.  Their houses were well kept and maintained by following strict daily schedules and routines.  This structured environment was very helpful to many people, as it gave them guidance and allowed them to focus on the more spiritual aspects of their lives.  In their never ending pursuit to become better human beings, the shakers focused on maintaining equality within their communities.  Although it was not common in the time, men and women in Shaker communes were treated as equal to one another.  Although they performed different household duties, they believed that men and women had no advantage over one another.  Similarly the shakers did not discriminate based on race, skin color, or ethnicity.  This aspect of the shakers, as well as the rest of their society, are astonishing and show how ahead of their time they were.  Similar beliefs and practices would not be adapted in the United States for hundreds of years, and even today many communities struggle with the tasks that shakers accomplished with ease.   

            On the other hand, one could argue that the Shakers were not a Utopian society due to their unsustainability and unrealistic practice of celibacy.  Despite their success in spirituality and practices, the Shakers lived a rather unsustainable lifestyle.  Unlike most Utopian declines however, this community did not have a problem with it societal structure or economic sustainability.  One of the largest factors in the downfall to the Shaker community was their celibacy.  The Shakers and their unwillingness to reproduce caused an obvious flaw in the sustainability of their community.  With no offspring, the Shakers relied solely on recruits and orphans to keep the community alive.  While this method can last for some time, it is not at all reliable, and as seen by the history of the community, it can lead to the extinction of the society.  While this single flaw can easily be overlooked when judging whether or not the Shakers were a Utopia, it is a detail that should be taken into account.  Is it really possible to have a utopian society that is unsustainable and has absolutely no offspring?  Or is this the key to a Utopia?  Unfortunately it is very difficult to answer a question such as this, as much of the answer lies in personal opinion. 

            Some may argue that a society that does not have to worry about offspring or educating and providing for youth is much easier to sustain.  Others may say that without a strong population of young people, the society has no backbone or future.  This conflict in itself brings about an interesting point in the quest for a Utopia.  If some regard a society such as the Shakers as a Utopia and others think of it as a Dystopia, then is it really possible to create a universal Utopia?  Either way, the Shakers and their astounding practices and ability to think in ways far ahead of their time are impressive to say the least.  Whether or not they were successful or lived in a Utopia, they and their practices should be respected and studied as proof that any community can advance far past its time with the right beliefs and practices.