Perspectives on Culture and Diversity

This week, to coincide with my in-depth study of culture and diversity for my class, I chose to ask a few other people I know what they consider culture and diversity to be.  A basic surface description of the three people I chose to interview would be:

(1)  a male, mid-thirties, blue-collar, suburban, husband, father

(2)  a female, teenage, middle-class, suburban,  only child, divorced parents

(3)  a female, mid-thirties, upper class, major city metropolitan, mother, wife

These three people are similar in many ways in their own historical cultures, but have lived their lives in ways that exhibit many subtle differences when knowing them on a personal level, and are of course subject to the influences of their deep cultures.

Within all three responses was evidence that culture was something that meant something to them, yet was difficult to explain.    It was explained as a family history, the thing you grew up with and the incorporation of past and present.  Regarding diversity, my three interviewees recognized that it was an incorporation of different cultures, different ideas, and different opinions.  My older two participants also suggested that when recognizing diversity, adaptations and accommodations may need to be made to make everyone feel respected. 

What no one mentioned was that both of these concepts are those which are subject to change and always evolving.  As society changes, and our immediate environments change, so do our reactions and interpretations.  This allows for both immediate and long term changes to take place.  Additionally, many people struggle with adhering to the boundaries of several cultures all at once, and must make choices as to which one serves them best at any given moment.  This internal conflict can cause great stress for those whose multiple identities differ considerably. 

What my discussions have revealed is that definitions of the words “culture” and “diversity” are quick to roll off the tongue as if one is taking a test at school; however their meanings are complicated to define.  I think that these topics need to be discussed more openly and as a people we need to be less afraid and more willing to open our doors to understanding.  As I watched a man, just yesterday, switch check-out lines specifically due to who was standing in front of him, I felt sad.  Not only for the woman he blatantly offended, but also for the man who made a snap judgment about another human being he had never met. I began to wonder how many of these instances happen in a typical day that I never notice.  How many of them happen to me?  How many could I have made a difference in?  How many have I unintentionally participated in?  The last few weeks of intense scrutiny of culture and diversity have opened my eyes and made me realize that as I walk through my own maze of life, I need to be more aware and more active in making a positive difference so that I can be a better role model for others.  

My Family Culture

This week I was presented with the following scenario:

A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of your country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You are told that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3 small items with you.

I was then asked to describe which items I would choose to take and how I could/would explain their meaning.  After arriving in the new country, I would then be told that I could only keep one of the three chosen items. 

I have thought about situations like this many times, especially in regards to war and disastrous conditions around the world, when teaching about fire safety and when severe weather comes to call in my region, as we can often be subject to tornadoes, damaging storms in all seasons, and flooding.  What I have come to discover is that the harder I think, the less I need materially.  I would be incredibly thankful to be able to have my immediate family with me; however, I would miss the remainder of my family the most.  Most of my valuable items live in my mind and in my heart, so my three items would be reflections of that.

The first thing that I would take would be a photograph of my mother.  She is an integral component to my family, and a major influence in most of what we do.  She would, without a doubt, be the most missed item in our new world.  I would likely then defer my other two choices to my children, allowing them to each choose something that means the most to them. 

My decision reflects perfectly how I view my family culture.  We place great merit in our close family and value each other above all else.  Our children come first and foremost.  My husband, as a father and a husband, would be content in knowing that his three ladies would get to choose.  My role, as a wife and mother, is to respect my husband’s wishes and put others’ needs before my own. 

If I was then told to only bring one item, there would be no question that the picture would remain.  My children would understand that being able to consult with their grandmother, even if only through a picture, would carry much more weight than the tangible items they had chosen.  I am proud of the fact that know deep down in my heart that the most important things in my life can always be with me as they live within me.

When I Think of Research

…I think of progress.  I think of a promising future for all of humanity.  I think of acceptance.  I think of reason.  I think of life.

While I have experienced scientifically based research in a scientifically based forum, I have never experienced research that I have held such high stakes in.  I have not previously researched humanity.  The last eight weeks have exposed me to challenges and obstacles that I was previously unfamiliar with.  I have been forced to refine my skills to a degree that I never knew was possible, but for what better reason than for our future. 

I am now aware of methodology which not only respects research dynamics, but also those of human beings and their individuality.  I have been put in a position to consider aspects of humanity, research methodology, and early childhood practicality in ways that blend them all into one topic of focus which intends to bring about positive change.

I have learned that true research must include elements of quantitative and qualitative design while remaining relevant and valid.  This is a difficult task when considering that there are so many factors that may influence the accuracy of data collection; such as, homogeneity, power struggles, deficit models, and personal bias and background (MacNaughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010).  It is our duty as early childhood professionals to ensure that the well-being of children and their families is maintained while still striving to make a difference in this ever-changing society.   We must believe that our seemingly insurmountable tasks will eventually lead to rewards through which we will be fueled to move forward even further. 

In developing my own research initiative, I encountered my own difficulties.  I experienced great difficulty in narrowing down my topic of study to a degree that allowed for the most effective and accurate accumulation of data, while meeting the criteria feasible according to budget and time allowances.  I now realize that my mere presence in a classroom may affect the collection of data.  I also must accept the fact that there may be power struggles that exist beneath even the most well planned programs.  Through the comments of my instructor and my colleagues I was able to see things from differing perspectives, which led me to my final design.  I am thankful to you all! 

Overall, I have learned that my development as an early childhood professional will never be complete.  My work over the last eight weeks has taught me a great deal about the research aspect of early childhood studies.  What I have realized just today is that my passion is in ensuring that every child is offered the supports which suit them best.  After attending PTA meetings, Open Houses, and family reunions, I was reassured that I have the capability to help many, with the appropriate application.  I have guided families toward programs, individuals, professionals, and community outreach opportunities where they can find essential resources.  Ultimately, I have learned that I can make a difference, and that every time I do I rekindle my passion for the prosperity of positive early childhood experiences.  

 

References

MacNaughton, G. Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I., (2010). Doing early childhood research:        International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY:  McGraw-Hill.

Research Around the World

Establishing contact with an early childhood professional from Australia during my last class prompted me to further investigate the resources available there.  I chose to research Early Childhood Australia to determine what current research is underway concerning Early Childhood conditions on the other side of the planet.  Our nations share several ideologies, accomplishments, and struggles.  What I learned was that current mentioned research evidenced what my contact had shared with me concerning conditions for the field that were relevant to her personally. 

This year alone, there have been several inquiries made regarding budgeting issues and the National Quality Framework by which they base their curriculum and practice methodologies.  Additional areas of concern and current research include affordable quality education and care, online safety, and immigration which area also key concerns in the United States.  Further research is being conducted regarding self-destructive and suicidal behaviors among children, and grandparents as primary caregivers. 

This organization is comparable to NAEYC, which is the leading resource for Early Childhood matters here in the United States.  Both websites are set up similarly, offering broad general information as well as sections dedicated to news and media, parent resources, educator resources, and membership opportunities.  Similarly, both institutions value integrity, collaboration, leadership, and inclusiveness with shared positive visions for the future of young children.

I don’t know that I would say that our similarities surprised me, but I did find one difference that I would like to mention.  It seems to me that in Australia, the Aboriginal and Indigenous people are regarded much differently than in the United States.  I do not know the history of the country, or how things occur daily, but it seems like the issues of native peoples are considered in a greater perspective than we consider Native American populations.  It may be that we are more greatly influenced by immigrant populations or that issues are entirely different, but it is something I plan to investigate further. 

I am grateful that organizations with the intention of improving early childhood conditions exist worldwide.  It will be through the global collaboration and development of “best” practice and methodology that the greatest strides will be made.  The continuing research within the field indicates that there is great hope for the future.  I am happy to say that I am a part of such a caring and ambitious group of professionals.  

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Uplifting Research Outcomes--Benefits to Families

I have been a supporter of stem cell research for quite some time.  Nearly eight years ago, the son of a friend of mine was diagnosed with Batten Disease.  Batten Disease is an autosomal recessive (needing the defective, recessive genes of both parents), neurodegenerative condition, which is not preventable or curable at this time.  Batten Disease is diagnosed in childhood and follows a typical progression of mental impairment, worsening seizures, and a progressive loss of sight and motor skills.  At age 5, my friend’s son was unable to be potty trained, and was considered legally blind.  He suffered tremendous social-emotional delays and struggled tremendously as changes were occurring so frequently, he had little time or ability to process them.  He was eventually enrolled in a special needs school where he did well, and he currently attends public school in his town and does well there, but the family’s life will never be easy.  He just celebrated his tenth birthday, but his condition has continued to worsen and odds are he will never become a teenager.  There are several research projects underway to attempt to learn more about the characteristics of the disease, whether or not it can be detected through prenatal screenings, improved treatments, and hopefully an eventual cure.  (www.bdsra.org)

Research projects have helped countless families battling seemingly insurmountable odds.  One such organization, of which I am a member is ViaCord.  Their research involves the stem cells collected from the umbilical cords of newborns.  Currently, their initiatives have shown benefit in the treatment possibilities for eighty known diseases.  This is double the potential of only three years ago.  While the topic of stem cell research can rouse many feelings and opinions, I feel as though the possibility of aiding in the treatment of a multitude of life-threatening conditions makes it highly valuable.  (www.viacord.com)

Both of these organizations provide countless stories and testimonials by families who have direct experience with medical research involving children and families.   It is through the sharing of stories, continued research proposals, and humans in need that great discoveries are made.  The insatiable quest for knowledge,  rigorous ethics standards and continuous collaboration of researchers and governmental organizations across the globe allows us to reap many of the benefits we take for granted today.  I hope that my story has, at the very least, invoked an appreciation for the efforts of researchers and given you yet another lens through which to view the bigger picture.

Narrowing it Down

After further contemplating my proposed research topics for the next several weeks, I have chosen to study the correlation between negative classroom behaviors and the amount of physical outlets of energy provided during the typical care/school day.  In conjunction with the knowledge that hands-on exploratory experiences are often the most well absorbed in regards to learning and the theory that children need at least an hour of physical activity built into their days, I believe that the rise in a more “structured” day without the outlet for physical energy has caused an increase in negative behaviors among young children.  It is my thought that as we struggle to attain high national expectations regarding education these days, we have taken away so many of the practices that work best when teaching children.  It is my hope to bring the natural, hands-on element back into the classroom, which should reduce stress levels for instructors, children, and their families, and also allow for greater absorption of required material by learners. 

By studying the correlation between behavior and physical expression, I hope to provide a base line for further research on the topics.  My study will be more broad-based, which can eventually lead to a dissection of behaviors among narrower age groups.   Further studies can also included the home and community elements regarding physical experiences outside of the school day. 

In the short time I have been completing this simulation, I have already encountered some roadblocks, including the amount of material available for study, deciphering between worthy sources, and digging deep to figure out what I hope to gain from my experiences and trials.  I enjoy the research process, but have always had a difficult time limiting myself, as I tend to want to include as much as possible.  I foresee this as being one of the greatest challenges for me.  I am excited to learn how others view my proposals and hope to learn a great deal from everyone’s experiences.  I look forward to working constructively with others to strengthen our research methodology and take greater strides toward improving early childhood efforts.

Research as the next step

As I take the next step in my journey, I want to wish all of my colleagues the best of luck.  Increasing the effectiveness of my research strategies is something that I look forward to.  I also hope to be able to utilize my background in the Biological Sciences to aid others on their quest.  I am hoping that not only will this new knowledge help me to become more successful in my profession, but also will allow me to better serve the children and families I have and will become privileged to work with.