1. The Amish

2. Where do they live?

3. Population Amish populations have 4% growth per annum They average 6.8 children per family

4. History The Amish were founded in 1693 by Jakob Ammann in Europe They fled because of religious persecution and set up separatist communities in parts of America, Canada and even Ireland They speak a German/Swiss dialect known as Pennsylvania German or Pennsylvania Dutch Outsiders are known as “English” or “Yankees”

5. German Words Ordnung – the rules of the Amish Shunning – being thrown out of the church for breaking the rules Rumspringa – ‘running around’ Hochmut – pride/vanity Demut – humility Gelassenneit – Calmness, composure, placidity

6. Rules Clothing must be plain and simple No make up or jewellery No labour-saving technology or electricity Limited use of phones No photos (inspire vanity) No formal schooling beyond year 8 Limited contact with the outside world for “friendship with the world is against God”

7. Beliefs and Values The family is more important than the individual Rural life and work is highly valued No work on Sundays Community and collaboration are important Worship is conducted in homes, not churches Baptism between the ages of 16 – 25 Members must marry within the religion Non-violence Members cannot accept charity from mainstream society

8. The Mainstream and the Amish Quest for individual identity Pursuit of happiness main objective in life Materialism and achievement respected and rewarded Separation from family is encouraged Youth and beauty highly valued Anti-individual orientation Subsistence agriculture and welfare of the group the main priority Wealth is evenly distributed and education limited Belonging to a family is highly valued Appearance is unimportant

9. RURAL LIFE The Amish value hard work and encourage young boys to work the fields with their fathers. Men and women’s roles are clearly delineated.