The observations in this book describe the Old Order Amish settlement in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The details of social life vary in Amish settlements across the United States, making it unwise to apply the specifics of the Lancaster Amish to other communities. However, although the particulars of practice vary from settlement to settlement, the basic values, philosophy, and worldview of Amish culture described in this book are applicable to other Amish settlements as well.
Various data sources were used for this study: in-depth interviews, primary source documents, ethnographic observations, and three demographic profiles of the Lancaster settlement in 1986, 1993, and 2000. Face-to-face interviews with dozens of Amish were conducted in 1986, 1987, 1993, 1996, and 2000. The informants included males and females, farmers and business owners, mothers and fathers, married and single, teachers, and ordained leaders. Informants were selected to tap a representative cross section of the community. Many interviews involved two sessions; some involved as many as five. A significant portion of the book is based on the notes and transcripts of these interviews. Public officials and non-Amish professionals who relate to the Amish community as lawyers, physicians, accountants, bankers, and veterinarians were also widely consulted.
The Amish are hesitant to publicize minutes of meetings, organizational documents, and policy statements. In many cases generous informants shared copies of materials, personal letters, and other primary sources for which I am deeply grateful. Except for a few who granted permission, I have not revealed or identified informants in the text. Having lived in the Lancaster area all of my life, I have long been familiar with members of the Amish community and am fortunate to have many as friends and acquaintances. These experiences have provided opportunities to observe Amish society firsthand. Throughout the research efforts, the Amish have always been gracious and helpful neighbors who generously shared their time and thoughts with me.
A stratified two-stage cluster sample was used to obtain demographic data on a sample of 382 people living in 168 Amish households in twenty districts in 1986. This study provided the primary database for the first edition of the book and is described more fully in that edition.
In 1993 an Amish Enterprise Profile gathered data on Amish enterprises and entrepreneurs in thirteen church districts. Information was gathered on 118 enterprises and in-depth interviews were conducted with thirty-five selected entrepreneurs. The fieldwork was coordinated and conducted by Steven M. Nolt. Some of the findings from the Enterprise Profile have informed the discussion of Amish businesses in Chapter 10. A fuller description of the methods can be found in Kraybill and Nolt (1995:261–64). The results of the study were published in a book (Kraybill and Nolt 1995).
A study conducted in the spring of 2000 provides the primary database for the revised edition of this book. Profile 2000 gathered information on a total of 1,704 individuals living in ten church districts. The districts were purposely selected to represent the total population of 131 church districts as of December 1999. The sample reflected the geographic location, size, and age of the district. Children under 16 years of age were also enumerated. Demographic data were gathered on 888 individuals who were 16 years of age and older. Louise Stoltzfus coordinated all aspects of the fieldwork and recruited informants to assist in each district. The completion rate was 100 percent. Krista Malick keystroked the data and performed the data analysis.