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An alternative lifestyle is a lifestyle generally perceived to be outside the cultural norm. Usually, but not always, it implies an affinity or identification within some matching subculture (examples include Hippies, Goth and punk). Traditionally not all minority lifestyles are held to be "alternative"; the term tends to imply newer forms of lifestyle, often based upon enlarged freedoms (especially in the sphere of social styles) or a decision to substitute another approach or not enter the usual expected path in most societies. A Stanford University cooperative house, Synergy, was founded in 1972 with the theme of "exploring alternative lifestyles."

The following may be examples which are considered by some to be examples of alternate lifestyles:

• Unusual lifestyle or community, such as communes, communal living, Ecovillage and Permaculture.
• Avoidance of traditional path, such as people who might be said to become lifestyle travellers, Hippies, Housetruckers, New age travellers, artists or poets in preference to the norm.
• Vegetarianism or veganism
• Bestiality
• Alternative medicine
• Alternative spirituality practices.
• Non-typical sexual lifestyle, such as BDSM, swinging, incest or polyamory, etc.
• Hooliganism or Casual culture.
• Car-free movement
• Furries

[edit] See also

• Alternative culture
• Car-free movement
• Counterculture
• Movement for Compassionate Living
• Simple living
• Sustainable community
• Sustainable living
• World Brotherhood Colonies
• Furry Fandom
• Lifestyle travelling

[edit] External links

• Alternative Living
• Synergy House at Stanford University
• Social Networking for Alternative Lifestyles
• Astaga.com Lifestyle on the Net