Date of Award

Spring 5-19-2017

Document Type

Capstone

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Department

Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice; College of Arts & Sciences

First Advisor

John Noakes

Abstract

While there has been a good deal of publicity given to the Amish communities in the United State as a tourist attraction, little attention if any, focuses on the social problems they face as a community. Just like other subcultures, the Amish experience social problems being youth deviance as the most common among them. By answering my research question, I planned to support how some Amish practices like Rumspringa and shunning have a significant negative effect on the Amish youth. Criminological theory could help explain the nature of conformity and deviance among the Amish youth. The evidence suggest the Rumspringa period provides the perfect setting for the Amish youth to engage in unprotected sex, drink alcohol, and in most of the cases, consume illegal substances. The Rumspringa period and the contemplation of shunning during this period produces high levels of anxiety and depression, and feeling of isolation; which could lead to suicide. Qualitative, historical and geographical evidence previously gathered is used trough out this paper to develop a socio-cultural critique supporting the argument some Amish Rule of Order practices such as the Rumspringa and shunning have a significant negative effect on the Amish youth.

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