Many people may think that every Amish community is the same, however, in reality they are very different. The diversity among them is not unlike other cultures and people. Although they are similar in their beliefs, there are a number of Amish communities that function separately from one another.
Among the different groups, there are differences in religious rituals and daily life conduct. Ohio has the largest community of Amish, with the biggest settlements in Wayne and Holmes Counties. Even though the communities may have differences, they keep a definite separateness from the world outside.
Disconnecting from the outside world, or separation, helps members gain a strong sense of identify and belonging in the community. Maintaining the separateness means rejecting many of the modern conveniences and being very selective in their use of technology. However, they will decide how much technology and other outside practices they will accept as a way to survive economically.
An example of this is the use of voice mail and cell phones by the Amish businesses which allows them to remain competitive. Telephones are placed in common areas for use by several families. Electricity that comes from a utility company is considered worldly and therefore bottled gas is used for refrigerators and ranges and for heating water. Outsiders tend to think that there are no modern appliances used by the Amish, when in fact they use washing machines, water pumps, and farming equipment powered by gas generators.
Non Amish often have misconceived notions about the roles of Amish women and men. The reality of gender roles among these people is that although the man is the head of the family, the wife has the respect of the man for her opinions. It is common for the wife to make decisions about buying things for the home, however, often she will have the final say regarding certain issues when the man is not present. It is also interesting that husbands take some responsibility in the supervision and rearing of the children.
The children are groomed throughout their lives to carry on the traditions of farming for the boys, and homemaking for the girls. However, they will have a time in their adolescence to experience the world before being baptized. The young adults are able to experience non Amish life and see how the English live prior to settling into their Amish lives.
Many of us have a misconception of this practice as we have heard the stories of the Amish youth who defiantly leave the community out of curiosity, and without their families blessing. The reality of this time during adolescence is that the young people are allowed to leave the community to experience life of the outside world.
Among the different groups, there are differences in religious rituals and daily life conduct. Ohio has the largest community of Amish, with the biggest settlements in Wayne and Holmes Counties. Even though the communities may have differences, they keep a definite separateness from the world outside.
Disconnecting from the outside world, or separation, helps members gain a strong sense of identify and belonging in the community. Maintaining the separateness means rejecting many of the modern conveniences and being very selective in their use of technology. However, they will decide how much technology and other outside practices they will accept as a way to survive economically.
An example of this is the use of voice mail and cell phones by the Amish businesses which allows them to remain competitive. Telephones are placed in common areas for use by several families. Electricity that comes from a utility company is considered worldly and therefore bottled gas is used for refrigerators and ranges and for heating water. Outsiders tend to think that there are no modern appliances used by the Amish, when in fact they use washing machines, water pumps, and farming equipment powered by gas generators.
Non Amish often have misconceived notions about the roles of Amish women and men. The reality of gender roles among these people is that although the man is the head of the family, the wife has the respect of the man for her opinions. It is common for the wife to make decisions about buying things for the home, however, often she will have the final say regarding certain issues when the man is not present. It is also interesting that husbands take some responsibility in the supervision and rearing of the children.
The children are groomed throughout their lives to carry on the traditions of farming for the boys, and homemaking for the girls. However, they will have a time in their adolescence to experience the world before being baptized. The young adults are able to experience non Amish life and see how the English live prior to settling into their Amish lives.
Many of us have a misconception of this practice as we have heard the stories of the Amish youth who defiantly leave the community out of curiosity, and without their families blessing. The reality of this time during adolescence is that the young people are allowed to leave the community to experience life of the outside world.
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