Sociology Amish Society

Midterm Extra Credit

1. How does the culture and community of the Amish differ from that of American society in general?
Amish society is very different from American society. Both societies have different beliefs and value very different things. The Amish reject modern advances, while the rest of America is constantly striving for the latest technology. The Amish believe in humility and religion above most everything else in life. They have very simple lives and believe in surviving with just the necessities. They are very community and family oriented. Americans put more value on money, material possessions, becoming “successful,” and having fun. Most Americans are independent and fend for themselves, while the Amish work together as a community and are very close.

3. At a time when Americans highly value technological developments, why do you think the Amish reject these advances?
I think the Amish reject modern advancements because they don’t want to lose sight of what they feel is most important. They feel that they are “a chosen people of God,” and they want to remain humble. They also believe in equality among all of their people, so no one has more than another. If technology and material possessions entered their lives, it would promote competition among their people. They probably fear that it would be a threat to their way of living, and people would forget about “what is really important.”

1. What is postmodernism?
Postmodernism began as something to question the ideas of modernism. Post modernists distrust science since they believe scientific facts are products of social processes and bias just like everything else. They view culture as a series of ideas, images, symbols, and media. Postmodernism basically says that there is no set definition of reality and that the world is indefinable, always changing and evolving.

2. In what ways have the Amish accommodated to modern and postmodern society?
Although the Amish reject most modern...