I have a lot of mixed feelings about our episode topic today because on one hand I just wrote an essay about the way

capitalism atomizes us, transforming us from humans or civilians

taking part in a rich civic life into consumers of commodities and how a

corporate interest-driven focus on rugged

individualism often means you're going to find yourself forced to pay for

everything that you need by design. The modern model of the nuclear family itself, two adults, a kid or two, you know, under

one roof living apart from family and friends, often in a suburban setting that is not easily

traversable without a car, is a gateway to feelings of

isolation and loneliness for many Americans. For those reasons you might assume that

I'd be thrilled by the trend we're discussing today.

People buying homes and living with friends. And in some ways I suppose I am.

Designing a life that's grounded in community and friendship and sharing the burdens of life sounds on the surface like it could only ever be a good thing.

But there is an element of this story that I can't help but feel just a little bit disgusted by.

Which is that people are choosing this route because they feel like they can't afford long-term

housing security any other way.

So I'm going to attempt to walk kind of a weird nuanced line.

Yes, it's great that young people are thinking outside the box and using the tools available to them and creating living situations with more community.

And also, as long as housing is a means of preserving and growing your personal

wealth we are constantly going to be forced to devise new ways to make it work.

But before we get too lost in the sauce,

let's quickly review what every article on this topic tends to do,

piece by piece.

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