ABSTRACT
The dream of the single family house and neighbourhood is alive and well in the USA in new housing developments, existing communities and local zoning ordinances that protect its continuation. However, this model that idealises and promotes a single way of living and working is also being questioned (Hayden, 1984; Weisman, 1992) and alternatives are being proposed and built (McCamant and Durrett, 1988; Franck and Ahrentzen, 1989; Sprague, 1991; Fromm, 1991; Porcino, 1992; Ahrentzen, 1991). This chapter examines some key features of the American dream and illustrates how these features can be modified in alternative housing that more directly addresses the needs of many contemporary women.
