In a recent opinion piece for Deseret News, Stephanie Barello explores the phenomenon surrounding Hannah Neeleman and her popular Ballerina Farm, which has garnered millions of followers advocating for a home-grown lifestyle on her expansive 328-acre farm in rural Utah [0bc04342]. Neeleman, a Juilliard-trained ballerina and mother of eight, embodies the 'tradwife' movement, which emphasizes a return to smaller-scale economic living and family values [0bc04342].
Barello discusses the historical shift from home-centered economies to global specialization that began with the Industrial Revolution, noting how modern families have become increasingly disconnected from their local communities [0bc04342]. This disconnection is contrasted with the growing popularity of movements like Ballerina Farm, which promote self-sufficiency and a closer relationship with the land and community.
The article highlights the trade-offs involved in supporting local economies over global ones, suggesting that a renewed focus on family and community can counteract the demands of a market-driven society [0bc04342]. Barello, an economist and adjunct professor at Utah State University, argues that embracing local production and community ties can lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling lifestyle [0bc04342].