Padanaram Settlement is an intentional community and

unincorporated community An unincorporated area is a region that is not governed by a local municipal corporation. Widespread unincorporated communities and areas are a distinguishing feature of the United States and Canada. Most other countries of the world either have ...

in the

U.S. state In the United States, a state is a constituent political entity, of which there are 50. Bound together in a political union, each state holds governmental jurisdiction over a separate and defined geographic territory where it shares its sove ...

Indiana Indiana () is a U.S. state in the Midwestern United States. It is the 38th-largest by area and the 17th-most populous of the 50 States. Its capital and largest city is Indianapolis. Indiana was admitted to the United States as the 19th s ...

. Padanaram is located on nearly in the wooded countryside of Martin County in southern Indiana. Founded in 1966 by Daniel Wright, his wife Lois and a few friends, it has grown from 86 acres to its present size of 3000 acres. The community is located on 3000 acres of woods, farmland, and lakes. As of 2008, the population consists of around 70 adults and 70 children who live in communal buildings with apartments or in individual homes. The community believes in a

fundamentalist Fundamentalism is a tendency among certain groups and individuals that is characterized by the application of a strict literal interpretation to scriptures, dogmas, or ideologies, along with a strong belief in the importance of distinguishi ...

interpretation of Christianity, including patriarchy and holding all things in common. They also practice

midwifery Midwifery is the health science and health profession that deals with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period (including care of the newborn), in addition to the sexual and reproductive health of women throughout their lives. In many ...

and home births. The group promotes their social system, believing it will be the basis for future society. It has also been criticized for sexism.

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