INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, while others may be from any type of computer printer. The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is included in reduced form at the back of the book. Photographs included in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6” x 9” black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. UMI A Bell & Howell Information Company 300 North Zeeb Road, Ann Artwr MI 48106-1346 USA 313/761-4700 800/521-0600 SOCIAL CHANGE AND RATIONAL CHOICE: A CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATION OF THE AMISH DISSERTATION Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of The Ohio State University By William E. Carson, M. A. ***** The Ohio State University 1998 Dissertation Committee; ved by Professor Joseph F. Donnermeyer, Adviser Professor George M. Kreps u Adviser Professor Donald W. Thomas 'Agricultural Economics an&/ Rural Sociology Professor David O Hansen UMI Number: 9900808 UMI Microform 9900808 Copyright 1998, by UMI Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. UMI 300 North Zeeb Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 ABSTRACT The changing profiles and pulses of contemporary society serve as metaphors for development and social change. From a sociological perspective this study focuses in on the substantive assessment of the Amish interpretation of well-being as expressed by the occupational identity of Amish male household heads. The Amish are a unique American sub-culture which today adheres to Anabaptist origins that emerged during the Reformation Period, champions the proposition that church decision-making should be based on Bible study, and prescribes salvation by refinement through faith. Data for this study was obtained from Amish church directories published in the recent 8 years from 10 different states. It included 56 Amish settlements, representing 25% of all Amish communities and approximately 50% of all Amish males. Job identity for each male household head was extracted from the membership lists o f 468 Amish church districts. Drawing from the Human Ecology paradigm, the conceptual framework of the POET model serves as the foundation for developing systematic quantitative analysis. It is hypothesized that the environment surrounding Amish settlements broadens occupational opportunities and sustenance alternatives with the Amish subculture, also. that the economic structure of the Amish is directly related to the economic dimensions of host communities. Through the use of multivariate statistical analysis an attempt is made to interpret, better understand, and project how the Amish are reacting and adapting to their environment in their interest of guaranteeing cultural sustenance. Three job identity indexes were created and served as dependent variables. Meaningful relationships between variables were identified by measuring correlations on a selected list of geographic, population, social, employment, and agricultural characteristics of the communities in which each settlement is situated. By using multiple regression analysis, an evaluation is made of the relative effect of characteristics of the surrounding community on the occupational distribution of Amish males. The findings generally support the hypotheses and help to illuminate the role that rational choice plays in the decision-making process of a subculture deeply rooted in tradition and fundamental religious teachings. It is concluded that the Amish are in general a quite successful and thriving subculture with a strong desire and creative capacity to modify and amend their “cultural fences” III To My family, near and distant IV ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The journey has reached one more landmark and there is an endless array of individuals and institutions which have contributed to the realization of this dissertation. To each and all who have shared a moment or word of encouragement and stimulus. Thank You. My greatest gratitude, indeed, I extend to my adviser for this study. Dr. Joseph F. Donnermeyer. Dr. Donnermeyer is a distinctive source of encouragement and motivation, exacting challenge as well as reinforcement within the same academic process. His sensitivity about and insights into the Amish culture contributed significantly to the successful completion of this study. It was his interest in sharing an extra yard of scholarly measure as a mentor that made the school of difference for this researcher. To Dr. David O. Hansen I extend a most sincere thanks for his advice and support, which were so vital to the maintenance of continued interest and sustenance throughout this academic program. To all of those with whom I have had the pleasure to share time and space while working in the Office of International Programs in Agriculture as a Graduate Administrative Assistant, 1 am deeply appreciative of all spontaneous effort and assistance. From my professional habitat in Brazil, 1 wish to thank colleagues from the School of Economies at the Federal University of Santa Maria for their sharing of desires, their expressions of a “developing society’s” ambitions, and their deliverance of encouragement. To Dr. Carlos Eugenio Daudt and Dr. Odilon Marcuzzo do Canto goes my greatest appreciation for the successful completion of this work as their effusion of academic lust, and their quest for and endeavor towards academic excellence and social participation in higher education is exemplar. I extend my most heartfelt thanks to those closest, wife Claudia, sons Hugo and Nelson, and daughter Lia for their monumental patience and understanding. VI VITA May 9, 1944........................................................Bom - Delaware, Ohio 1970 ......................................................................B Sc Business Administration, Franklin University 1972 ......................................................................M.A. Political Science, Ball State University 1972 - 1973 .........................................................Executive Director, Brazilian-American Bi-National Center, Santa Maria-RGS, Brazil 1972 - 1973 ......................................................... Lecturer, School of Administration Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) Santa Maria-Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil 1975 - 1976 ......................................................... Research Scholar, The London School of Economics 1976 - present ..................................................... Associate Professor, School of Economics UFSM 1984 - 1989 ........................................................ Director, Office of Research, UFSM 1989 - present ....................................................Member, Board of Directors Fundacao Regional de Economia Santa Maria-RGS, Brazil 1990 - 1994/97-98..............................................Graduate Administrative Associate, International Programs in Agriculture The Ohio State University 1995 - 1997........................................................ Associate Director, International Programs, UFSM & Delegate, Associacao do Gfupo Montevideo(The Montevideo Consortium - MERCOSUL) vii PUBLICATIONS 1. Carson, William E O Conceito e Future Papel da Neutralidade Sueca'V Revisia do Institute de Esiudos Socials, Politicos Economicos da. PUC-RS juT)ho 1973 3-32 2 Carson, William E ‘"Estacionamemo em Santa Maria: Planqamento e Perspectivas” Revista do Centro de Ciencias Juridical, Economicas e Administrativas da LTSM, dezembro 1977 2(4): 377-392 3 Carson. William E et al "‘Fatores que .Afetam a Renda da Atividade Agro- Pecuaria nos Colegios Agricolas do Rio Grande do SuP' Revista dcj Centro de Ciencias Sociais e Hiimanas da LTSM 1978 314): 357-373 4 Carson, William E "‘Volume de Trafego na Taixa de Camobi' .Analise. Perspectiva e Prospectiva" Revisia do Centro de Tecnologia daCYS^A junho 1979 511): 5-24. FIELDS OF STL DY Major Field Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology Studies in: Rural Sociology International Development Natural Resource Policy Sociological Theory Research Methodolotr. \mi TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Abstract ............................................................................................................................................... ii Dedication ..........................................................................................................................................iv Acknowledgments ..............................................................................................................................v