Charles E. Hurst
Charles E. Hurst is emeritus professor of sociology, having taught at The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio for 38 years. His long-time interest and research have focused heavily on issues of social status, comparative poverty and inequality, and the uses of classical social theory in understanding contemporary social dilemmas and problems. These interests include studies of the status of Amish women in their culture and the relative status of Amish subgroups within their community.
Biography
Charles E. Hurst is emeritus professor of sociology, having taught at The College of Wooster in Wooster, Ohio for 38 years. His long-time interest and research have focused heavily on issues of social status, comparative poverty and inequality, and the uses of classical social theory in understanding contemporary social dilemmas and problems. He is the author of Living Theory: The Application of Classical Social Theory to Contemporary Life. In addition to his research, he has served as a consultant to various countywide social agencies.In recent years, he has extensively researched the Amish community in the United States, and co-authored the award-winning An Amish Paradox: Diversity and Change in the World’s Largest Amish Community. Part of this analysis examined the role and relative position of women in that subculture, and the question of whether or not these women are dominated by their husbands. Attention was also paid to the differential status among Amish groups.
Areas of Research / Professional Expertise
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Inequality, Poverty, Status, Classical Social Theory, Amish culture
Personal Interests
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hiking, camping, gardening, and travel
Books
Articles
No ‘Rip Van Winkles’ Here: Amish Education Since Wisconsin v. Yoder
Published: Sep 01, 2006 by Anthropology and Education Quarterly
Authors: Chuck E. Hurst and David McConnell
This study examines the educational implications of the shift in economic livelihood in a Ohio Amish community since a landmark 1972 Supreme Court decision paved the way for control of their schools. The clash between tradition and economic pragmatism, and their multiple interpretations, has led to diverse educational pathways, including public schools, charter schools, homeschooling, GED programs, and vocational courses.
The Impact of Tourism on the Amish Subculture: A Case Study
Published: Oct 01, 1997 by Community Development Journal
Authors: George Kreps, Joseph Donnermeyer, Robert Blair, Charles Hurst, and Marty Kreps
This study examines the influence of tourism on the Amish, based on research from Northeast Ohio. Tourism has not threatened core elements of Amish culture, but has several notable impacts. The results are discussed in terms of how tourism has integrated the Amish into the general economy of the area.
Socio-economic Status and Health-Care Choice
Published: Jun 01, 1988 by Journal of Business Research
Authors: Roger Formisano and Charles Hurst
This research examines the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and health care choice in the current turbulent, competitive health care environment. A linear relationship between SES and attention paid to plan characteristics is found. Low SES individuals pay the most attention to alternative plan characteristics. These findings refute an earlier study and suggest health care choices are made recognizing self-interest and reflecting vulnerability.
“Individual and Structural Causes of Authoritarianism in Correction Officers
Published: Oct 01, 1986 by Issues in Correctional Training and Casework
Authors: Charles E. Hurst and Robert B. Blair
For both 1976 and 1983, higher anomie level was significantly associated with greater authoritarianism, while higher education level and greater professionalism were associated with lower authoritarianism. Structural factors were not related to authoritarianism at either time. Also at both times, greater length of service was correlated with lower education level and higher professionalism was related to lower anomie.
Effects of Intra-Individual & Spouse Status Inconsistency on Life Satisfaction
Published: Jan 01, 1981 by Journal of Gerontology
Authors: Charles Hurst and David Guldin
To test a series of hypotheses linking intra- and inter-spouse status inconsistency with life satisfaction, a sample of 570 married persons over 60 years of age, drawn from the 1975 to 1978 NORC General Social Surveys data, is evaluated by regressing the measures of life satisfaction on the independent variables in hierarchical fashion.