Even saying that, there are still instances in the story when some people from the future bear resemblance to people from Connie's past or present life. This keeps us guessing. We have no pat answer to this question and this gives a tension that points to Piercy's skill as a storyteller. Every element of their lifestyle is crafted with care. From the moment a child is brought into being to the moment of death, all is covered by community practices and ritual and yet, there is also a great deal of room for independence and the exercise of free spirit.
Nothing is predetermined.
Initially, we are led to believe that Mattapoisett is a typical type of community of the future. It is about the size of a village, Connie is told that big cities were deemed unworkable. It is bucolic, vegetables are grown and cows graze. Our first view even provides clothes drying in the sun. In many ways it reminds Connie of the Mexican villages of her childhood.