Sunset near the Wayne County line

Do “classes” exist in Amish society? How is wealth distributed? Do Amish use food stamps? A new study in the latest JAPAS addresses these questions in the Holmes County Amish community (“Amish Economic Transformations: New Forms of Income and Wealth Distribution in a Traditionally “Flat” Community“, by Amyaz Moledina, David McConnell, Stephanie Sugars, and Bailey Connor). By tapping public data including Census info and real estate records, the authors develop a picture of Amish income and…

Why do some Amish use scooters, but not bikes? It’s a common question. I’ve never really come across a definitive answer, though have hit upon a theory or two after looking into it. Today at Lancaster Online, Steve Nolt provides an answer. It includes a couple of elements I did not expect. First, some brief background. Amish in communities such as Lancaster County, Geauga County,…