Survival and social change among the Amish in five communities

Abstract

This article will explore the Amish subculture and evidence suggesting that gradual social change is occurring within the five communities selected for study: Berne, Indiana; Ethridge, Tennessee; Intercourse, Pennsylvania; Kalona, Iowa; and, Plain City, Ohio. Data has been collected from 87 Amish families using a 12 page structured questionnaire. Social change is investigated in each major social institution that impacts upon Amish life—and select micro-trends are identified for the mid 1980's. The “findings” in this sample suggest that the Amish are accepting selective (modest) acculturation—particularly in their work and their search for economic survival. The respondents in this study have sought to avoid extreme dependence on any one aspect of modern life, and they have remained largely unfettered by the national pursuit of success, careerism, competition, one-up-manship, and power seeking.