Emancipatory responses to oppression: the template of land-use planning and the Old Order Amish of Ontario

Am J Community Psychol. 2003 Mar;31(1-2):157-71. doi: 10.1023/a:1023086923232.

Abstract

In this paper I discuss the clash of values between the Old Order Amish community of Ontario and the dominant social paradigm in agriculture. Land-use and agricultural regulations, designed for an industrial style of agriculture, are experienced as a threat to the survival of the Old Order Amish agricultural social economy and community. The paper describes how I have worked with the Old Order Amish to respond to these challenges and to create public policies that will allow them to maintain their human and agricultural diversity and small-scale sustainable farm practices. Four case studies illuminating the oppressive land-use regulations along with the emancipatory responses to the oppression are examined. The social transformation themes include principles and processes for community psychologists, land-use planners, and community economic development practitioners to consider. The article has heuristic value for a practice-based approach to social change.

MeSH terms

  • Agriculture*
  • Cooperative Behavior
  • Culture*
  • Ethnicity*
  • Humans
  • Ontario
  • Social Change
  • Social Dominance*
  • Social Values