Quick facts and Background
The Amish culture was first developed in Europe by the founder Jacob Amman from 1644 to 1720. It is thought to be formed as a reform group within the Mennonite movement. Beliefs in Amish culture are based of those of the Mennonite faith and are similar to evangelicalism. Amish culture is significant in that they believe in remaining separate from the public and the rest of the world. The Amish live without electricity so that they are not connected with the outside world. Sex roles within Amish culture have a patriarchal structure. Women are viewed equal to men but not in terms of authority. Unmarried women are under the authority of their farther and wives submit to their husbands. Only males are eligible to become officials in their Church. There is an unwritten code within Amish culture referred to as the ordnung which values simplicity, obedience, and humility. Rumspringa is referred to the time when children who turn 16 are encourage to explore for a limited period of time and break the tenets of the Amish community.