Amish and Australian Culture similarities and differences

Lucie Leonard Society and Culture Part Two

There are many obvious differences seen from an outside perspective of Amish and Australian society, but when looked at in more detail similarities in structure, roles and decision making appear. The Amish society comes from a line of strict tradition and tight knit farming communities, whose values have changed little over time whereas as Australia is a post-industrial society which is constantly advancing in technology, culture and (something about the rights of women).
The Amish society is one that is much closed off and segregated from the wider world, their almost non-existent reliance on the society around them has limited their exposure to outside influences. The whole base of their identity is generated by an unwavering faith in God, as a result of this religion touches all aspects of their daily lives. The Ordnung, a set of guidelines for religious Amish living, dictates not only what they can wear but the way in which they perform tasks such as what tools can be used to plough your farm and what foods you can put in your meals. Although religion is an influential part of Australian society it takes nothing to the extent of the Amish people with the Ordnung. Australia is a widely multicultural society which cultures and values are derived from those of the people who migrated there, the variety in restaurants, religion and clothing style a direct reflection of the many influences brought to Australia. The essence of Amish society is simple and mono-influential, a path to god, whereas the essence to Australian society is influenced by the many subcultures within. Due to the only influence of religion, the Amish hinge all decision makings on the practises of the Orndung. It is perceived that the decision made by God, is the righteous and moral path and every decision is cogitated with the help of the lord. Consulting something or someone before decision making is seen in both societies as an Amish person might consult their parents, the bishop or minister to find the virtuous decision, an Australian person would also consult a trusted person whose experience they value such as a parent or grandparent. The difference seen in decision making stems from how the societies allocate the responsibility of decision making. Amish society have a strict hierarchy system that denotes the power from God to bishop then ministers, deacons, men, women then children. This dictation of power changes the life of a family as the father is solely responsible for the decision making within the household and male ministers and bishops make the decisions they think will benefit the community and please God. This is not reflected in Australian society as it values the importance of the right to make decisions that affect oneself and the freedom of choice. Although many thing may influence a person in Australian society’s decision, money, partners and family, there is no authority that can make a decision for you, a husband doesn’t make decisions for a wife and the church doesn’t make a decision for you. This is seen as a critical necessity in Australian society, as liberation and rights are a value cherished by all but is not viewed as fundamental value in Amish society. Authority in Amish society also comes under the umbrella of religion, the Ordnung dictates who has the power and authority and in what areas it can be exercised. 0nly men are allocated positions of power and there are no requirements for training, higher education or theological training. This idea is not returned at all in Australian society, since the 1945 women’s right movement women in Australia have been gaining power not only in the home but in the workplace and the business world and the liberation of women is seen as one of the proudest moments in Australian history for women. Ministers and Bishops in Amish society are nominated by members of the church and chosen in a process that incorporates divine intervention and do not require any training for these positions, this may be a result of the low level of conventional schooling as well as the prohibition on high school and college education. This however is thoroughly encouraged in Australian society as higher level of qualifications lead to generally higher regarded jobs and people are elected in positions of power based on their qualifications and appeal to the people. Amish society is based on humbleness and simplicity and believe power will lead to pride and the abuse of power and Australian is a more liberal society denoting power based on qualification and democracy.
Power and Authority is closely linked to the roles in an Amish society. Within the household a man is the breadwinner, in charge of decisions and daily running of the family within the rules of the Ordnung. He and his sons run the business or the farm while the women cook, clean and watch over small children during the day. This is not unusual to the Australian household, up until the revolution of women’s rights the Amish family structure mirrored that of an Australian family. Traditionally the Australian husband went out and provided for the family while the wife stayed home and catered to his needs. In modern Australia this is no longer custom, Australia has grown to a very contemporary society with the rise of different home situations not seen in the Amish community such as single parents and same sex couples. The roles have changed with many more women in the workplace and the slow acceptance of stay at home dads, it has become a choice made by each family and many variations are seen.
When observed thoroughly in micro, meso and macro levels Amish and Australian societies have fundamental similarities including historical gender role allocation and the influences for decision making. There are also key differences with the development of technology and advances in the values of society including the sources of influence, the people in position in power and the roles within the household and the community. Being more or less closed to the outside world, the Amish people have not evolved much, in particular when compared to the constantly evolving society of Australia, this may be mistakenly perceived as a negative concept but to the Amish people, it is exactly how they choose to enrich their lives with simplicity and god.