Amish Cultural Manifestations

Collectivism

The amish are a collectivistic society. Family and community are important to their lifestyle. The members take turns hosting the services at their homes and barns. Food is brought by all the members for the meal that follows the service. They spend their Sundays among family and friends. The hosting of services in the homes of members was one of the main teaching of Jakob Amman who believed services should not be attended in state churches. The Amish are also well know for barn raising. Barn raising is when they build or rebuild a farm for a community member. It is a community effort that involves the men to work and the woman to make meals for them. Most Amish families will gather and sing or read together during the evenings after the chores are finished.


Polychronic

The Amish have a polychromic culture. They focus on tradition and live simple lives. Amish families spend their days working in their farms and making quilts and other house items. Since they are also a collectivistic society, relationships with community members are important to them. They do not use technology, which makes it harder to keep up with time.


Egalitarian

In the Amish culture, everyone is seen as an important member of the community. There are bishops, preachers, and elders who are important to the religion, but they are carefully chosen as to not feel pride. They are expected to serve others. All members work hard to provide for their families and they all rely on each other. All members live a simple way of life. They ride in buggies pulled by horses. Every member contributes equally to the services, which is why a different member hosts the service every time.



Sources:
"Amish." Britannica Academic
"Amish." The Encyclopedia of World Religions