The Changing Occupational Structure of Amish Males¹

As a subculture, the Amish sustain a distinctive way of life while maintaining linkages with the larger society. Historically, this has been accomplished within the economic sphere through restriction of livelihood to farming and at‐home occupations. This article documents the growing differentiation of the occupational structure of the Amish and their movement to nonfarm occupations. Occupational changes are discussed in terms of their impacts on Amish society.