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Unit 11

Design of Things

(Chapters 4-7)

 

The group begins its tour. The purpose of this unit is to show how the physical environment  influences behavior.  It demonstrates that improvements in equipment design and effective use of the landscape can increase job success and enhance living conditions.

 

 

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Illustrations

 

The concepts in Walden Two are often illustrated in daily life.  Below are students' illustrations of three concepts in this unit.  Supply additional examples yourself of these or other key concepts in this unit.                                                                                  

 

Cultural engineering (38).  "When I first visited my brother in California, he asked if there were anything special I would like to see or do.  I answered, 'Yes! ____________ land!' But I was in no way prepared for the type of experience we would have.  I had imagined a sort of super amusement park where there would be huge crowds, lots of waiting in line, the necessity for keeping a close guard on one's pocketbook, hassles with reservations, parking and all the rest.  Instead, it was like visiting another country where people behaved according to different laws and codes of ethics!

 

"Parking was easy, and no sooner had we gotten out of the car than a shuttle car stopped to take us into __________ land.  As we were being seated, a voice from an overhead speaker told us where the shuttle would be stopping, and answered every question we might have thought of asking.

 

"We were free to get off at any stop we chose, and each one seemed more attractive than the one before.    We selected our rides and shows at random since we could always change our minds.

 

"There were lots of people, but no crowds.  Everyone was very friendly.  We often found our­selves engaging in conversation with strangers.  I soon relaxed about my pocketbook and every­thing else.  I love the anthropomorphized critters. While I was there I absolutely believed they were real!  It was possible to forget all about the outside world.

 

"We participated wholeheartedly in this society; we behaved as everyone else was behaving, and loved every minute of it.  I believe I even smoked fewer cigarettes that day."

 

Industrializing housewifery (43).  "When I was in the third or fourth grade, a lady next door proposed that all neighbors make a day trip to an orchard and pick apples.  Most people thought that it was a wonderful idea, but mothers with infants were hesitant.  They were not sure that they would be free from their babies at any time during the trip.  Their skepticism was not without a reason because they spent most of their days taking care of their babies.  However, they ended up coming along, thinking some fresh air and different scenery would still be worthwhile.  Of course, they brought their infants with them.

 

"Once arrived at the orchard, one of them came up with a 'brilliant' idea.  A couple of them would watch all the babies while others would pick apples.  The parents would take turns watch­ing the infants, and during one's assigned time, the watcher would even feed them and change diapers.  So, with a sense of freedom from their endless duties and of satisfaction about their in­genious arrangement, the young parents were able to pick as many apples as they could carry home."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Cooperative living (43).  "For the past six years I have been a member of a community food co­operative.  The basis of this co-op is that everyone contributes some 'labor credits' to the farm­work.

 

"We have a group of planners, who decide on what foods we will cultivate, how to do so, and so forth.  Even these people do some of the physical labor, in office or out of office, and of course they don't receive money.  Everyone who works receives labor credits.

 

"Nobody is special or separate.  Everybody is part of the general membership of the co-op.  We are all our own employees, including the planners, at least when they are in the field.  The plan­ners make sure the jobs are rotated, so everyone does all kinds of work.  They also ensure that members with special abilities have the chance to use them, for these are valuable to the whole co-op.  The outcome for everyone is fresh, organic food at a very low cost.

 

"Most of the members are quite pleased with their work, which contributes directly to earning a living.  Each member can also contribute suggestions to the planners for improving the co-op.  Most of us seem quite happy with our jobs and even contribute more than the necessary labor credits.  I think part of this is the result of the friendships among the members.  The common, ob­viously important activity develops a strong community spirit."