Amish Culture

Culture, as defined by Edward Burnett Tylor "includes all capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society"("Culture" Encyclopedia Britannica Online http://search.ebcom/bol/topic?tmap_id=51795000&tmap_typ=ai). Humans, since the beginning of civilization have learned from one another, the ways in which to survive and maintain order . They have also learned and developed methods that ensure cooperation and promote self-sufficiency. The Amish are a group of people that have done precisely that. This long history of independence and hard work is displayed in the Amish way of life which values religious responsibilities and a good, strong work ethic.

Religion has been the cornerstone of many groups, particularly the Amish. Everything from their methods of education, to the isolation they prefer, exemplify the dedication and piety of the Amish. In the schools, the children are taught very young about the Old Order Amish way of life. They are taught some of the basic beliefs such as, "only members who remain separate from the world and obedient to the church will receive God's blessing of peace and eternal life". (Kraybill, Donald B. "The Amish Story" in The Riddle of Amish Culture. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1989, pp. 1-23) While at school Amish children display impeccable behavior. Their parents expect nothing less. These children are aware of their responsibilities to God and their parents. (Ediger, 1996) Isolation from the outside world is one way the Amish are able to maintain such order and cooperation within their societies. They believe "the surrounding culture threatens their survival". (Kraybill, Donald B. "The Amish Story" in The Riddle of Amish Culture. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1989, pp. 1-23) The Amish have as little interaction with outsiders as possible. They believe that "the fewer opportunities to mingle with outsiders, the less likely that members will leave the ethnic fold". (Kraybill, Donald B. "The Amish Story" in The Riddle of Amish Culture. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1989, pp. 1-23) This lack of outside interaction has helped the Amish to thrive and survive despite the many oppositions they may encounter.

One key trait that the Amish possess is an extraordinary work ethic. Children begin helping out as early as three years old. ("The Amish Village" tour guide) At age six children are expected to help with the farm work which could include garden work, feeding the livestock, or milking cows. (Ediger,1996) The Amish believe in everyone helping out for the greater good. One ideal they possess is "to achieve the goal of providing