The Evolution of Appalachian Culture: Traditional values, cultural influences, and mainstream America.

Although people from Appalachia are often over-looked or forgotten by mainstream America, the introduction of modern resources, increased access to technology, and other modern influences create an Appalachia that is becoming increasingly influenced by majority American culture. As a result, the once intact Appalachian cultural values are shifting to meet the new standards of the dominant society. Due to the intersection of historical injustices, a lack of economic opportunity, and the breakdown of traditional livelihood, Appalachia seems uniquely vulnerable to current social ills. Nevertheless, Appalachia is perfectly positioned to use the cultural values, first laid out by Loyal Jones, to foster resilience and increase the likelihood of continued strength. This panel will discuss the intricacies of issues including: the substance abuse epidemic and the increased dependence on family for support; gender issues in relation to traditional and newly evolving roles; and the concept of sexual minority visibility, intersectionality, and the parallels between socioeconomic and racial marginalization in Appalachia. Participants will leave this session with a better understanding of how to unify a diverse and ever changing population through re-envisioned Appalachian cultural values with implications for practice, training, and education