4.6 Appalachian community values

Appalachian communities value strong family ties, self-reliance, and deep connections to the land. These core principles shape daily life, with extended families often living together and supporting one another through challenges. Religion, storytelling, and traditional crafts play vital roles in preserving cultural identity.

Hospitality and a belief in social equality are also key aspects of Appalachian culture. Communities come together for celebrations and to help neighbors in need. There's a strong emphasis on fairness and resistance to social hierarchies, rooted in a history of economic exploitation and a desire to maintain local control.

Kinship and family ties

• In Appalachian communities, family relationships and bonds are highly valued and prioritized
• Family ties extend beyond the nuclear family to include grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins
• Family members often live in close proximity and maintain strong connections throughout their lives

Importance of extended family

Top images from around the web for Importance of extended family

• 

  William Gedney Amerikája - nejlon View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Lies We’re Told About Appalachia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Melungeons — Wikipédia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  William Gedney Amerikája - nejlon View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Lies We’re Told About Appalachia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Importance of extended family

• 

  William Gedney Amerikája - nejlon View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Lies We’re Told About Appalachia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Melungeons — Wikipédia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  William Gedney Amerikája - nejlon View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The Lies We’re Told About Appalachia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Extended family members play a significant role in child-rearing and providing support
• Grandparents often serve as caregivers and pass down traditional knowledge and skills to younger generations
• Cousins and other relatives are considered as close as siblings and are relied upon for emotional and practical support

Multigenerational households

• It is common for multiple generations to live under the same roof or in close proximity
• Grandparents, parents, and children often share living spaces and responsibilities
• This arrangement allows for the sharing of resources, childcare duties, and the preservation of family history and traditions

Family as support system

• Family members are the first line of support during times of crisis or hardship
• They provide emotional, financial, and practical assistance when needed
• Family bonds are strengthened through shared experiences, both positive and negative
• The family unit is seen as a source of strength, resilience, and identity

Self-reliance and independence

• Appalachian communities have a strong tradition of self-sufficiency and independence
• This value is rooted in the region's history of isolation and limited access to resources
• Self-reliance is seen as a necessary survival skill and a source of pride

Subsistence farming traditions

• Many Appalachian families have a history of subsistence farming, growing their own food and raising livestock
• This tradition has instilled a deep appreciation for the land and the ability to provide for oneself
• Gardening, canning, and preserving food are still common practices in many households

Distrust of outsiders and government

• Due to a history of exploitation and neglect by outside interests, Appalachian communities often have a skepticism towards outsiders and government institutions
• There is a preference for handling problems within the community and relying on local resources
• This distrust can manifest as a resistance to change and a desire to maintain traditional ways of life

Pride in hard work and resourcefulness

• Appalachian culture places a high value on hard work and the ability to make do with limited resources
• People take pride in their ability to overcome challenges and find creative solutions to problems
• This resourcefulness is seen as a key aspect of Appalachian identity and is celebrated in stories and folklore

Religion and spirituality

• Religion plays a central role in many Appalachian communities, with a strong presence of Protestant Christianity
• Faith is often deeply intertwined with daily life and community activities
• Religious beliefs provide a sense of meaning, comfort, and guidance for many individuals

Predominance of Protestant Christianity

• Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal denominations are particularly prevalent in the region
• Many communities have a high concentration of churches, often with close-knit congregations
• Religious practices such as church attendance, prayer meetings, and revival services are common

Role of church in community life

• Churches serve as important social and cultural centers in Appalachian communities
• They provide a space for worship, fellowship, and community gatherings
• Church events such as potlucks, singings, and vacation bible schools help to strengthen social bonds and pass on traditions

Belief in divine providence

• Many Appalachians hold a strong belief in God's plan and the idea that events are divinely ordained
• This belief can provide comfort and resilience in the face of hardship or tragedy
• It also contributes to a sense of acceptance and humility in the face of life's challenges

Oral traditions and storytelling

• Appalachian culture has a rich tradition of oral storytelling and the passing down of history and values through stories
• These traditions serve to preserve cultural identity, entertain, and educate younger generations
• Storytelling often takes place in informal settings such as front porches, around campfires, or at family gatherings

Passing down history and values

• Family stories and local histories are passed down from generation to generation through oral traditions
• These stories often convey important lessons, values, and cultural norms
• The act of storytelling itself is valued as a way to strengthen family bonds and maintain a sense of continuity

Tall tales and folk legends

• Appalachian folklore is filled with larger-than-life characters and exaggerated tales of adventure and heroism
• These stories often feature themes of cleverness, strength, and the triumph of the underdog
• Examples include the tales of John Henry, a steel-driving man, and the trickster figure of Jack

Music as storytelling medium

• Traditional Appalachian music, such as ballads and folk songs, often tells stories of love, loss, and historical events
• Songs are passed down through generations and serve as a form of oral history
• Music is also used to express emotions, convey cultural values, and bring communities together through shared performance

Connection to land and nature

• Appalachian communities have a deep connection to the natural environment and a respect for the land
• This connection is rooted in the region's history of subsistence farming, hunting, and fishing
• The landscape itself is seen as an integral part of Appalachian identity and culture

Respect for natural environment

• Appalachians often have a strong conservation ethic and a desire to protect the natural beauty of the region
• There is a recognition of the importance of sustainable land use practices and the need to preserve resources for future generations
• This respect for nature is reflected in traditional land management practices and a resistance to environmentally destructive industries

Hunting and fishing traditions

• Hunting and fishing are not only practical means of obtaining food but also important cultural traditions
• These activities provide opportunities for family bonding, the passing down of skills, and a connection to the natural world
• Hunting and fishing stories are often shared as a form of entertainment and a way to celebrate successful harvests

Sense of place and belonging

• Appalachians often have a strong sense of place and a deep attachment to their home communities
• The landscape, with its mountains, valleys, and rivers, is seen as a defining feature of Appalachian identity
• This sense of belonging fosters a commitment to preserving and protecting the region's natural and cultural heritage

Hospitality and neighborliness

• Appalachian communities are known for their strong sense of hospitality and the importance placed on being a good neighbor
• This value is rooted in the region's history of interdependence and the need to rely on one another in times of hardship
• Hospitality is seen as a way to strengthen social bonds and promote a sense of community

Importance of helping others

• Appalachians often prioritize helping their neighbors and community members in times of need
• This can take the form of providing food, labor, or emotional support during illness, injury, or other difficulties
• The act of helping others is seen as a moral obligation and a way to maintain the social fabric of the community

Community gatherings and celebrations

• Appalachian communities often come together for various social events and celebrations
• These gatherings, such as church suppers, barn raisings, and harvest festivals, provide opportunities for socializing, sharing food, and strengthening community bonds
• Celebrations also serve to mark important milestones and to honor cultural traditions

Welcoming strangers and visitors

• Despite a history of distrust towards outsiders, Appalachian communities are often known for their warm hospitality towards visitors
• Strangers are often welcomed into homes and offered food and assistance
• This hospitality is seen as a way to show kindness and to treat others as one would want to be treated

Egalitarianism and social equality

• Appalachian communities often have a strong belief in social equality and a suspicion of wealth and power
• This value is rooted in the region's history of economic exploitation and the belief that all people should be treated with fairness and respect
• Egalitarianism is seen as a way to promote social harmony and to resist oppressive power structures

Suspicion of wealth and power

• Appalachians often view excessive wealth and power with skepticism and distrust
• There is a belief that those with wealth and power may exploit others and upset the social balance of the community
• This suspicion can manifest as a resistance to outside corporate interests and a preference for local control and ownership

Belief in fairness and justice

• Appalachian communities place a high value on fairness and the equal treatment of all people
• There is a strong belief in the importance of justice and the need to stand up for what is right
• This belief can lead to a willingness to challenge authority and to advocate for the rights of the marginalized and oppressed

Resistance to social hierarchy

• Appalachian culture often resists rigid social hierarchies and the idea that some people are inherently better than others
• There is a preference for egalitarian social relationships and a belief in the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals
• This resistance to hierarchy can manifest as a skepticism towards authority figures and a desire for participatory decision-making processes

Preservation of heritage and traditions

• Appalachian communities place a high value on preserving their unique cultural heritage and traditions
• This preservation is seen as essential to maintaining a sense of identity and continuity in the face of change and outside influences
• Efforts to preserve heritage take many forms, from the passing down of family histories to the continued practice of traditional crafts and customs

Importance of family history

• Appalachian families often place great importance on knowing and preserving their family histories
• Family stories, photographs, and heirlooms are cherished and passed down through generations
• This connection to family history provides a sense of rootedness and belonging and helps to maintain cultural identity

Continued practice of traditional crafts

• Many Appalachian communities have a rich tradition of handicrafts, such as quilting, woodworking, and pottery
• These crafts are not only practical but also serve as important cultural expressions and a way to pass down skills and knowledge
• The continued practice of traditional crafts helps to preserve Appalachian heritage and to foster a sense of pride in the region's artistic traditions

Efforts to maintain cultural identity

• Appalachian communities often make conscious efforts to maintain their distinct cultural identity in the face of globalization and cultural homogenization
• This can take the form of cultural festivals, heritage museums, and the promotion of traditional music and dance
• These efforts serve to celebrate Appalachian culture, educate younger generations, and assert the value and importance of the region's unique heritage