Family and group identity is highly valued in Amish culture. Members are constantly admonished that self-surrender and humility are essential to experiencing the rewards of family and community life. Disobedience, non-conformity, and individuality are not tolerated. Deviant members are excommunicated and shunned for life if they do not confess and change their ways. A certain amount of “rowdyism” and anti-social behavior does occur among the unmarried, unbaptized Amish youth who are not yet subject to the Ordnung (the rules of the church). This “running wild” is especially common in the life of the young single adult male. After marriage, however, the individual must adhere to the basic principles of the Ordnung or risk being ostracized by the Amish community.
Mervin Smucker (2012)
Mervin Smucker (2012)