Life in the commune

Done by group 3

What is a commune?

a commune is simply a geo-political district similar to an American county.This area is divided into ‘production brigades’ consisting of a number of similar collective farms.

Each commune was a combination of smaller farm collectives, consisted of 4,000-5,000 households, and larger ones could consist of up to 20,000 households.

facts

• Eggs and meat were hard to get• Marriages were arranged by parents-usually for money.• Women’s feet were bound-men find women with small

feet attractive.• On certain years the peasants even ate tree barks to

survive.• in the commune usually only the men has the power to

control the family... but for women, they stay in their home to take care of children and do all the house work

Facts(continued)

• All must do their bit in order to eat. Eighty percent of the population is engaged in agriculture. It takes four farm workers to feed themselves and one other person. In the United States the ratio is one farmer to 16 other eaters.

• Everyone works. There is no such thing as welfare or unemployment compensation. The very old sweep streets or gather sticks for the family hearth. The very young baby-sit or run errands. Those in between labour long and hard in farm or factory.

Facts(continued)

• In the commune, everything was shared. Private

kitchens became redundant, and everything in the private kitchen, such as tables, chairs, cooking utensils and pans were all contributed to the commune's kitchen. Private cooking was banned and replaced by communal dining.

• Usually there was extreme poverty in communes.

• Benjamin:• what i know: the condition of life in the commune is extremely

harsh . most people in the commune are poor• what i want to know: i want to know more about the life in the

commune• what i learnt: they were like the frog in the well. However they

still remained happy and accepted what life throws at them.Further more,the condition of life in the commune is extremely harsh and most people in the commune are poor.They face starvation every day, and they cannot even afford to buy meat.

• Jia jun• What I know: The main point is that there was extreme poverty around

laoshan .Their first aid was the dust on the window sill . They believed in the gods and even sent messages to them. Hardship was almost everywhere. They were like the frog in the well. However they still remained happy and accepted what life throws at them.

• What I want to know:I would like to know the lifestyle of Li Cun Xin.How did he cope with so much frustration ,hunger and boredom a normal Singaporean school boy can’t withstand

• His only form of entertainment was cricket fights--one that most people would look down on. Till this very day , I am appalled by Li Cun Xin’s strong immune system. He only gets cough some times.

• What I learnt: I have learned the family history of Li Cun Xin. Also, I now have a deeper understanding of the revolution of China and its people.

• Keyi• what I know: commune life is very tiring and

everybody had to do labour work to earn more money for the family.

what I want to know: more about the peasants living in the commune.

what I learned: everybody in the commune had to share toilets,kitchens,etc.

• Yao hao(28)• What I know: I know that life in a commune is harsh, meat and eggs are hard to get

in those days, making it expensive. Marriages are arranged by their parents and women’s feet are bound as men find small feet attractive and pretty. Most people live in poverty.

• What I want to know: How is a commune formed? What is the life of peasants like in the commune?

• What I learned: In the commune, everything was shared. Private kitchens became redundant, and everything in the private kitchen, such as tables, chairs, cooking utensils and pans were all contributed to the commune's kitchen. Private cooking was banned and replaced by communal dining. Each commune was a combination of smaller farm collectives, consisted of 4,000-5,000 households, and larger ones could consist of up to 20,000 households. Certain years the peasants in his village even ate tree barks to survive. All must do their bit in order to eat. Eighty percent of the population is engaged in agriculture. Everyone works. There is no such thing as welfare or unemployment.

• The end.