Part 1: Organisation, Regulations and Conformity

Use the readings about Amish organisation and the Ordnung to answer the questions.

1. How often is the Ordnung updated or changed? Explain how this may help maintain conformity within a church district.

2. Identify two beliefs or values that encourage Amish conformity.

3. What personality traits or behaviours might develop when community norms are not followed?

4. Which statement best explains the purpose of the Ordnung?

It provides district-specific rules for appropriate behaviour.

It requires every Amish community to follow exactly the same rules.

It encourages Amish people to adopt modern technology.

It is a written law enforced by the Australian government.

Part 2: Social Control and Interactions

5. Shunning is a sanction used when a person seriously violates community expectations. Using French and Raven’s bases of power, identify two types of power involved in shunning and explain how each operates.

6. In the “Poop dispute” article, a health official ordered an Amish home to be vacated because of sanitation concerns. Identify one possible positive interaction and one possible negative interaction between the community and health authorities.

7. Tick two possible benefits of positive interactions such as Amish farm stays, markets and contact with visitors.

Producers can earn income from goods and services.

Visitors can learn about Amish culture through respectful exchange.

All cultural differences disappear.

Community members lose all control over their traditions.

8. Compare the “Friendly Foes” article with the “Poop dispute” article. How might trust, power and differing expectations affect interactions with government?

Part 3: Health, Perceptions and Stereotypes

9. The readings describe common images of the Amish as “simple”, “natural” or “stuck in the past”. Explain why these descriptions may be stereotypes rather than complete representations of Amish life.

10. Imagine you are a health professional working with an Amish family. Describe two respectful strategies that could support positive interaction while recognising cultural beliefs and community norms. Include one possible barrier to healthcare access or communication.

Key concepts: conformity, nonconformity, sanctions, power, authority, attitudes, interaction, perceptions, stereotypes, culture, health and intercultural exchange.