The "Rumspringa" period depicted in the documentary "Devil's Playground" grants thought-provoking observations into the moral development and upbringing of the Amish youth. Initially, it evokes a mix of curiosity and concern. The decision to allow adolescents to explore the outside world often manifests behaviours contrary to their community's norms and challenges conventional notions of moral upbringing. During Rumspringa, Amish youth navigate a pivotal phase where they confront diverse moral influences/complexities. Their experiences prompt introspection; some steadfastly adhere to tradition, reaffirming their commitment to the Amish lifestyle, while others venture into experimentation, reshaping their moral identity. Kohlberg's (1971) stages
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Moreover, the Rumspringa period underscores the interplay between individual autonomy and communal expectations, highlighting the intricate balance between personal identity and collective responsibility. As these adolescents navigate between tradition and modernity, they grapple with moral dilemmas that shape their sense of self and belonging. Meeus and Dekovi (1995) exploring the role of identity development in adolescence, acknowledge the dynamic nature of identity formation amidst cultural and social influences. During Rumspringa, Amish youth undergo a similar process of identity exploration, reconciling their traditional Amish upbringing with newfound exposure to external influences. As an educator, the expectation placed on Amish teens to make such a pivotal choice between joining the Amish church or living outside of the church and being ostracised by the Amish community is concerning. This is a dilemma that forces adolescents to weigh personal autonomy against the risk of social isolation from their community, which often represents their entire support network. Weyer et
Moreover, the Rumspringa period underscores the interplay between individual autonomy and communal expectations, highlighting the intricate balance between personal identity and collective responsibility. As these adolescents navigate between tradition and modernity, they grapple with moral dilemmas that shape their sense of self and belonging. Meeus and Dekovi (1995) exploring the role of identity development in adolescence, acknowledge the dynamic nature of identity formation amidst cultural and social influences. During Rumspringa, Amish youth undergo a similar process of identity exploration, reconciling their traditional Amish upbringing with newfound exposure to external influences. As an educator, the expectation placed on Amish teens to make such a pivotal choice between joining the Amish church or living outside of the church and being ostracised by the Amish community is concerning. This is a dilemma that forces adolescents to weigh personal autonomy against the risk of social isolation from their community, which often represents their entire support network. Weyer et