essay

Modernity, the folk society, and the Old Order Amish

amish struggle with modernity • Hanover, Nh • Published In 1994 • Pages: 184-196, 273

By: Olshan, Marc Alan.

Abstract
For many years the Amish have been portrayed as a small folk society that follows traditional patterns of social life without making deliberate choices about their future. In this paper, Marc A. Olshan overturns such assumptions and argues that the Amish exhibit modern ways to the extent that they self-consciously make choices and attempt to control their own destiny. Noting a variety of strategic decisions, Olshan contends that the Amish can serve as a model for other groups who want to selectively adapt to the forces of modernity (p. 185).
Subjects
Theoretical orientation in research and its results
Acculturation and culture contact
Sociocultural trends
Agricultural machinery
Vehicles
Education system
culture
Amish
HRAF PubDate
2009
Region
North America
Sub Region
Regional, Ethnic and Diaspora Cultures
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Sociologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle; 2007
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
United States
Notes
Marc A. Olshan
For bibliographical references see document 20: [Kraybill and Olshan]
LCCN
94013668
LCSH
Amish