Is it a Tiny and Small House Movement or Something Else?

 

Front of the house showing the covered porch

When I began writing about the Tiny House Movement for my upcoming book, my editor took exception with the word “movement.”

She thought it sounded like it had some sort of political connotation. The technical definition of a movement is, “a group of people working together to advance their shared political, social, or artistic ideas.”

I understood her concerns, but it is a type of social movement to what we think is a better way of life.

I responded to her concerns by telling her it had been labeled a “movement” by the media for so long, that if we didn’t refer it to that in the book, it might confuse people that this is something else other than what articles, books and television shows such as “Tiny House Nation” were talking about.

However, last week, on the Living Large Facebook page, Matt also took exception to the term movement, saying that after he’s followed it for 5 years, he feels “the term is now outdated and makes it sound hairy fairy and not a credit to making a change to the way we choose to live.”

What do you think, Living Largers? Is it a movement? If not, or you think the term is overused/outdated, what would you call it? Click on “the comment link above the photo (below the headline) to join in on the conversation!

9 Responses

  1. Sheryl M says:
    May 8, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    I agree with Kathleen: I find it intriguing to read about others who have downsized and managed to find new and creative ways to manage storage. From what I’ve seen, the tiny houses are often much more “high tech” than regular houses. I guess when less money is spent on the structure, the owners can splurge on all the extras they normally couldn’t afford.

  2. Victoria Salmon says:
    April 14, 2015 at 9:36 am

    How about a phenomenon? However, it has been called the Tiny House Movement so extensively in the media that it has become recognized as that.

    • Kerri says:
      April 14, 2015 at 10:36 am

      I think that’s a good word for it, Victoria. Our grandparents would have just called it “living,” much like “free range parenting” today was just called “parenting” for us. 🙂

  3. Diane says:
    April 14, 2015 at 9:29 am

    I think movement is a good term myself. I have followed for several years and eager to becoming a part of it. Finding property is the first step!

  4. Greg W. says:
    April 14, 2015 at 8:19 am

    I would say “tiny housing” has gone beyond being a movement and is more of a community, but we should stick with the term “movement” as we still have to fight better local codes.

  5. Kathleen Winn says:
    April 14, 2015 at 7:12 am

    Although I myself don’t know if I will ever be a member of the “Tiny House Movement,” I do enjoy reading of the adventures of others as they scale back on the square footage and stuff in their lives. I admire people who reject the notion that more stuff means more happiness, and that a big fancy house is key to being successful in life. I especially enjoy reading all the ways that people make use of space and find inventive ways to manage storage and utility and decor.