Socialization Among the Old Order Mennonites

Abstract

The Old Order Mennonites continue with their separate and peculiar life ways amidst the modern Canadian society. Some very gradual change, primarily because of the inevitable association with the external social structure, is documented. However, effective socialization in ethnic maintenance is found because of: the strong adherence to the Swiss-German dialect, the religious-tradition base of their values, the self assurance they perpetuate amongst themselves as a people, and the peculiarity of their life style. The study shows that the concepts of primary socialization, adult socialization, and resocialization as conventionally used need refining.