A radical experiment in communal living and psychotherapy that aimed to dismantle the nuclear family structure.
The Sullivanians, a group founded on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in the mid-20th century, emerged as a controversial psychotherapy collective under the leadership of Saul B. Newton. This movement sought to redefine social and family structures, advocating for communal living, free love, and a complete break from traditional family ties. At its core, the Sullivanians viewed the nuclear family as a detrimental force to individual and societal well-being, promoting instead a lifestyle of communal living, sexual freedom, and intensive psychotherapy.
The group’s origins can be traced back to the ideas of Harry Stack Sullivan, whose concepts of interpersonal relationships and psychiatry influenced Newton and his partner, Jane Pearce. They took Sullivan’s ideas further, applying them to a communal living arrangement where traditional family bonds were discouraged in favor of forming a wide network of intimate relationships within the community.
Living arrangements within the Sullivanians were structured around communal apartments, where members were encouraged to engage in sexual relationships freely, without forming attachments or exclusive partnerships. Children raised within the community were often sent to boarding schools, as the group believed that traditional parenting was harmful and that children should not be raised in nuclear families. This led to a generation of children who, in many cases, grew up with little to no contact with their biological parents, creating a complex web of relationships within the group.
The institute that housed the Sullivanians was also a hub for therapy, where members, including therapists themselves, underwent psychoanalysis. This therapy was non-confidential, with therapists sharing details about their patients’ progress and personal lives, further blurring the lines between personal and communal life. The group’s practices and philosophies attracted scrutiny and criticism, particularly for its leaders’ manipulation of members, the enforced separation of families, and allegations of sexual abuse.
Over time, the Sullivanians’ experiment in redefining social and family structures grew more radical and isolated, leading to allegations of abuse and manipulation by its leaders. Saul Newton, in particular, was accused of exploiting his position for sexual and financial gain, tarnishing the legacy of the group and its initial ideals. The community eventually dissolved in the late 20th century, leaving behind a complicated legacy and many individuals grappling with the aftermath of their upbringing and involvement in the group.
The Sullivanians represent a unique chapter in the history of alternative movements in the United States, embodying the extremes to which ideas about communal living, therapy, and the rejection of traditional family values can be taken. Their story is a cautionary tale about the power dynamics within such groups and the impact of radical social experiments on individuals and families.
image via wnyc
