Cultural Diversity In Appalachian Culture

Introduction As a professional providing services to a particular area is it important to know and understand the culture of the community being served. It is also just as equally important to have a grasp of the area's culture as this will explain why the area has the traditions and beliefs it has. Also by having a understanding of the culture ensures the community, as a professional, the service provider has an interest in the people of the community. For professionals it is about gaining the community's respect which in turn will better the professional's ability to work with the client in meeting his or her needs. History The immigrants came to the Appalachian Region either in search of land at cheaper prices or to get away from the …show more content…
To many, the Appalachian Culture means different things, but to most the definitions for Appalachian Culture is based on the characteristics and traits of this region; hard working, family ties, trusting, literature, food, music, and etc. A culture is made-up of shared thoughts and activities any given community has. These thoughts and activities originate from an individual's ancestors and are called traditions. The Appalachian Region is no different. This region is a mixture of different ethnicity; German,Scottish, Irish, and Dutch. It was the traditions of these elasticity that started the foundation for the Appalachian Culture.“ Appalachian culture is a real and functioning culture that is revealed through its arts and crafts, traditional music, traditional foods, its customs, its traditions and its somewhat common language” (Appalchian Culture, …show more content…
These challenges range from people not accepting services to not having services in the area to meet the people's needs. Some of these services could include; mental health, substance abuse, affordable housing, education, and/or transportation. Although challenges exist to services it is still important for the service provider to ensure all client's needs are met. There are several ways to address the challenges pertaining to service delivery within the Appalachian Region; understand the culture, build rapport with both community and client, advocate, connect to other resources, educate the community, hold community activities, and request funding. The Appalachian people are people who are strong in both family and community ties and to except the help of outsiders is taboo. This boundary as a result of this belief makes it hard break through but it is not impossible. Once trust, something the Appalachia’s value, is won the service provider can make progress with the client.
Conclusion
Individuals who find themselves in the social service field will find many challenges as it relates to service delivery. However those challenges can increase depending on the region the worker is service. The Appalachian Region falls into one of those regions that creates an increase of challenges for service providers. One task a service provider can complete in order to address these