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Unser Satt Leit: Our Sort of People Health Understandings in the Old Order

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Unser Satt Leit: Our Sort of People Health Understandings in the Old Order Unser Satt Leit: Our Sort of People Health Understandings in the Old Order Mennonite and Amish Community by Lisa Wenger A thesis presented to the University of Waterloo in fulfillment of the thesis requirement for the degree of Master of Arts in Recreation and Leisure Studies Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 2003 © Lisa M. Wenger 2003 I hereby declare that I am the sole author of this thesis. This is a true copy of the thesis, including any required final revisions, as accepted by my examiners. I understand that my thesis may be made electronically available to the public. ii Abstract Our cultural orientation informs our fundamental understandings of health. It has the potential to guide how we define health, how we understand the determinants of well-being, and how we respond to illness. For researchers, the recognition of this reality is central to not only how we interpret our findings, but also to the ways in which we develop the approach, questions, and methods central to our research. The Old Order Mennonites and Amish are a culturally, ethnically, and religiously distinct population existing within the North American society. This thesis sought to improve upon previous health- related research on this population by asking several basic questions: Among Old Order Mennonites and Amish, how is health perceived and ‘good health’ understood? What are the perceptions of the determinants of health? How is illness perceived? What is the response to illness? And how does culture relate to health in the Old Order community? A hermeneutical approach was adopted to address these questions and a qualitative textual analysis of an Old Order magazine, Family Life, completed. To allow the voices of community members to guide understandings, a broad approach to health was adopted throughout the examination of two years of the publication (2001, 2000). Findings indicate that in the Family Life writings health is primarily defined by an individual’s ability to fulfill his or her role. A focus on nutrition and reproduction dominated discussions of the determinants of physical health and an individual’s relationship with God was viewed by many as the central source of mental health or illness. Emotionally, analysis suggests that individuals may have a range of responses to illness including a desire to accept the experience of illness as a part of God’s plan, a struggle to find this acceptance, and the incorporation of community and Divine support throughout this pursuit. Behaviourally, health information appears to be transferred through a variety of mediums including health practitioners, community members, and advertisements. Individuals expressed concern with appearing too quick to seek professional medical care and may incorporate a range of considerations into the decision of whether to begin, continue, or end medical treatments. The textual analysis indicated that a mixture of methods may be adopted for achieving health. Individuals appear to care for themselves through home remedies or non-medical measures (including alternative treatments) for as long as possible. In situations of acute physical illness, however, there appears to be comfort with seeking formal medical care. Amidst limited discussion of a physiological root of mental illness, analysis suggested that the main method of treating mental illness is refocusing concentration toward God rather than the self. In consideration of the cultural understandings guiding these submissions related to health and illness, there were two primary themes. The first is that God determines life and is an active and present force in the lives of individuals. The second theme is that the community responds to this belief in God’s defining role in particular ways. More specifically, the Old Order orientation to life which includes a deferment of individual will to that of the authority of God and Community (Gelassenheit) and appreciation for a set of rules guiding behaviour (Ordnung), directs discussions and understandings of health in culturally-unique ways. Overall, this study highlighted the distinct ways in which cultural perspective guides understandings of health and illness within the Old Order community. iii Acknowledgements “A person’s devotion to an idea is not tested until the newness has worn off, until the challenge has lost its initial excitement, and the fun and glamour have faded. Then, when only the hard work remains – the daily tasks, the mundane labor – that is when a person’s commitment to a project is truly tested” - Elmo Stoll Early in my research I came across this quotation by Elmo Stoll, a former editor of Family Life, and the truth of the words emerged at different points throughout the entire project. This experience of research has been filled with moments of both excitement and frustration, but through it all there have been a number of individuals who have been instrumental in guiding my efforts and helping me to see this project through – even after the glamour had faded. Thank you to Amsey Martin for your openness and willingness to share your thoughts and knowledge with me. Throughout my work on this project I have often reflected on our discussion. To David Luthy, the Heritage Historical library is a treasure and I am thankful for both the rich information you shared with me as well as your generosity and kindness. To the Family Life writers, we have never met, but you have taught me a great deal about both your world and mine. Thank you. To Alison Pedlar, Sherry Dupuis, and Sharon Johnston, my thanks to each of you for your participation in, and important contributions to, this study. Marlene Epp, thank you for your willingness to be taken into the world of Recreation and Leisure studies and for the assistance you provided throughout the process – from the earliest conversations over lunch through to the many almost final drafts. Your guidance, thoughts, and careful considerations have been invaluable to me. Sue Shaw, I have respected you as a researcher, a teacher, and an individual for many years. I have valued your knowledge and trust throughout this process and it has been an honour and a pleasure to work with you and learn from you. To my friends and family who have sympathized, empathized, and sat through many discussions of Old Order ways and beliefs over the years, I thank you for your love and support. And finally to Krista - your encouragement, confidence, and patience sustained me throughout this project – although it is not nearly enough, thank you. iv Table of Contents Idea................................................................................................................................................. 1 Pursuit of health ......................................................................................................................... 1 Health and Culture.................................................................................................................... 2 Understanding Health......................................................................................................... 2 Understanding Culture....................................................................................................... 3 The Culture-Health Connection ........................................................................................ 5 Where to Begin? .................................................................................................................. 10 Introduction to Medical Anthropology ............................................................................. 11 Through the Eyes of Another: The Old Order Mennonite and Amish Experience...... 13 Purpose Statement..................................................................................................................... 16 Research Questions ................................................................................................................... 17 Significance: Learning in diversity...................................................................................... 18 Assumptions ................................................................................................................................. 19 Developing understanding: The Literature.......................................................... 21 The Old Order community..................................................................................................... 21 Anabaptist history............................................................................................................... 21 Reformation ............................................................................................................................. 21 Migration................................................................................................................................. 23 The Amish................................................................................................................................25 Life in the New World ................................................................................................................ 26 The Old Order People: Beliefs, Practice, and Socialization............................................ 27 Beliefs ..................................................................................................................................... 27 Practice.................................................................................................................................... 30 Socialization ................................................................................................................
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