Shakers

Definition

Shakers are members of the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, a religious sect founded in the 18th century in England and later established in America. Known for their communal living, gender equality, and unique form of worship that includes ecstatic movement and dance, Shakers played a significant role in the evolution of women's religious leadership, demonstrating an early model of egalitarianism in religious practice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shakers believe in living a simple, communal lifestyle that rejects materialism, which sets them apart from mainstream society.
2. Gender equality is a fundamental principle for Shakers; women hold significant leadership roles within their communities.
3. Shaker worship includes distinctive dances and songs that express their spiritual fervor, known as 'shaking,' which gives them their name.
4. The Shaker community practices celibacy, leading to a reliance on adoption and recruitment to maintain their population.
5. At their height, Shakers established numerous communities across the United States, with notable centers in places like New York, Massachusetts, and Maine.

Review Questions

• How did the Shaker movement influence the role of women in religious leadership during its peak?
  • The Shaker movement significantly advanced women's roles in religious leadership by promoting gender equality and allowing women to take on leadership positions. Mother Ann Lee, as the founder, set a precedent for women's authority within the community. This model not only provided women with opportunities to lead but also challenged contemporary societal norms regarding gender roles.
• Analyze the communal living practices of the Shakers and their impact on both individual identity and community structure.
  • Shaker communal living practices created an environment where individual identities were closely linked to the collective experience of the community. By sharing resources and responsibilities, Shakers fostered a sense of belonging that transcended traditional family structures. This approach allowed for more egalitarian social relations, particularly among genders, as roles were determined by ability rather than by traditional gender expectations.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of Shaker beliefs on contemporary discussions around gender equality in religious contexts.
  • The beliefs and practices of the Shakers regarding gender equality have had lasting implications on contemporary discussions about women's roles in religion. Their early advocacy for women's leadership positions serves as a historical reference point for modern movements seeking to challenge patriarchal structures within various faith communities. As contemporary religious groups continue to grapple with issues of gender equality, the Shaker legacy underscores the possibility of egalitarian practices and reaffirms the importance of inclusivity in spiritual leadership.

Related terms

Communalism: A social system where members share resources and responsibilities within a community, often seen in religious sects like the Shakers.

Mother Ann Lee: The founder of the Shaker movement who emphasized gender equality and led the group in its early years in America.

Celibacy:

The practice of refraining from marriage and sexual relations, which is central to Shaker beliefs and impacts their community structure.