| This dissertation consists of three distinct but related chapters centered on the phenomenon of cohousing as sustainable community development. Research is building a case that cohousing succeeds in creating more socially and environmentally sustainable communities. This dissertation seeks to fill several gaps in this prior literature. First of all, Chapter 2 proposes the usefulness of a behavioristic approach to studying cohousing as sustainable development; specifically, it presents behavioristic interpretations of cohousing research and several promising concepts for future research: reconciling personal and collective contingencies, resource-free and resource-light reinforcers, and macroshaping. Chapters 3 and 4 follow up on the theories laid out in Chapter 2. Chapter 3 contributes a typology of cohousing practices and identifies those that enhance connection to community (cohousing core, fellowship and culture, and sharing and support) and connection to nature (i.e., fellowship and culture and stewardship of the natural environment) among residents; based on previous literature, the degree to which residents express such connectedness should be positively related to various facets of personal, social, and environmental well-being. Chapter 4 characterizes retrofit cohousing as a unique model with potential to increase cohousing adoptions, increase diversity in cohousing, and address cotemporary housing issues. Advocacy and policy strategies are suggested to mitigate ideological barriers to cohousing that deter the growth of retrofit and traditional models alike. |
