ménagers

Ménagers is a term sometimes used to refer to the inhabitants of a household or domestic establishment. It encompasses all individuals who live together and share common domestic arrangements. This can include nuclear families, extended families, or even groups of unrelated individuals who cohabitate. The concept of ménagers emphasizes the shared living space and the collective management of household affairs.

Historically, the term has been used in various social and economic contexts. In agrarian societies, for example, the ménagers often constituted the core labor unit, responsible for the cultivation of land and the production of goods for sustenance and trade. The size and composition of a ménagers could vary significantly depending on the social class and economic conditions of the time. In urban settings, the term might refer to the occupants of a single dwelling, regardless of their familial ties, highlighting the shared domestic responsibilities.

The modern understanding of ménagers is broader and can include diverse living arrangements. It acknowledges that the structure of households has evolved, and people may choose to live together for various reasons, including economic necessity, companionship, or shared lifestyles. The term underscores the practical aspects of communal living, such as the division of chores, shared expenses, and the overall maintenance of the domestic environment. It is a descriptive term that focuses on the shared domestic experience rather than specific legal or familial relationships.