Concept Application- Mikayla Pate

          Integration is a concept in which the individual adapts to a new culture by maintaining their current culture and embracing the other culture as well. Integration is key for many people to be successful. Each day we all come into contact with different cultures, and at time become part of a different culture. I am currently integrating into a new culture. Now that my daughter is born I am not just a young adult, a student and fiance, I am now a Mother too. Just because I am now part of a new culture doesn’t mean that I abandon my other cultures. I still embrace what I was before, I just change and adapt as I accept this new role. That is what integration is all about, adding new roles and cultures to what you already are.

          The group that I am focusing on is the group “Fathers”. This group I am familiar with, almost all of us are. I have not, and will not ever be a part of this group or have insight into this group. Integration is a big part of this particular culture. When you gain this particular role some other roles you may have may become less important. For example, if you are part of a group that places a big emphasis on partying and drinking, it is likely that that will no longer be a priority for you. The new role as a Father will likely just add to the list of roles that you already play. That is why integration is key. You are adding roles and making them more important in your life. You cannot just suddenly take on such a huge role. Things take time and it doesn’t happen overnight. This role generally takes some getting used to and will become a priority for a length of time. Once the role is thoroughly grasped it is likely that integration will then begin at a much faster rate. The role of Father will be an important one but not the only focus. Integration is key because in order to be successful in this role, you must also be successful in other roles. Without integration you wouldn’t be able to be successful at multiple roles.

       I have made contact with my group, I actually have my 2 interviews planned. I plan to ask a variety of questions about how they adjusted to the role. I also plan to ask about struggles and triumphs associated with the role. Lastly, I will ask about how the role affect other cultures that they are a part of. I have yet to choose an activity, I’m having problems finding something that would fit with my broad, yet specific group. Since I haven’t picked an activity yet, I’m not sure what I want to document.