Controversial Communities and Behavioral Control

This chapter explores the attempts to create experimental communities based on B.F. Skinner's ideals, leading to the formation of the Association for Social Design. Despite well-intentioned goals, interpersonal conflicts and a controlling ethos resulted in the collapse of these communities, revealing deep-seated issues in behavior modification practices. The narrative critiques the harmful methods employed in institutions for children with disabilities, highlighting the ethical violations and misunderstandings surrounding autism and emotional disturbances.