Source: Lancaster County Amish 03, Wikimedia
Religion is a part of many people's lives. Religion can be very influential to a culture with the values and moral standards outlined in the belief system.
Sometimes religious beliefs can clash with popular culture, forcing the faithful members of certain cultures to practice cultural divergence. A good example of this is the Amish culture in the United States.
The Amish are a type of Christian religious group. Part of the belief of this culture is that they must reject modern conveniences and luxuries.
Source: Lancaster County Amish 03, Wikimedia
The Amish are mostly farmers and woodworkers. The Amish have their own communities that are fairly separate from modern towns and cities. They grow and make just about everything they need.
Source: Amish family, Lyndenville, New York, Wikimedia
As you can see in this picture, the Amish have adopted some modern technology, like the tires on this farm machine.
Source: Lancaster County Amish 02, Wikimedia
The Amish have their own schools and churches within their communities. Outsiders are not free to join because they worry about the influence of modern society, which they see as sinful, on their community. The separation the Amish keep between themselves and other communities is an example of cultural divergence.
Activity: Use your knowledge of the Amish to test your understanding of cultural divergence based on religion.
Read the following descriptions and determine if they are examples of cultural convergence or cultural divergence of the Amish. Click in the correct space.
Many people have become fascinated with the Amish culture. One cable network has developed a series that examines the culture and highlights the Amish youth who struggle with the issues related to both cultural convergence and divergence. Click on the link below to watch a trailer for the series.
→ Before you go: Cultural convergence and divergence occur in many societies and in many ways. In some instances, there are political and social issues associated with them. Other examples of cultural convergence and divergence will be explored in subsequent resources.
