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Cultural Diffusion

Definition

Cultural diffusion is the spread of cultural beliefs, social activities, and ideas from one group to another.

Related terms

Acculturation: This is when one culture adopts the characteristics of another while still maintaining elements of their own. Like adding new toppings to your favorite pizza but still keeping the base.

Assimilation: This is when a minority group fully adopts the customs and attitudes of the prevailing culture, much like a chameleon changing its colors to match its surroundings.

Multiculturalism: This refers to co-existence of diverse cultures in a society, similar to different instruments playing together in an orchestra.

"Cultural Diffusion" appears in:

Subjects (1)

  • AP World History: Modern

Study guides (3)

  • AP Human Geography - 3.4 Types of Cultural Diffusion

  • AP Human Geography - 3.8 Effects of Cultural Diffusion

  • AP Human Geography - 4.2 Political Processes

Practice Questions (20+)

  • What is the negative effect of cultural diffusion?

  • What is the positive effect of cultural diffusion?

  • The two main types of cultural diffusion are_____.

  • What is a historical example of cultural diffusion influenced by geographic data?

  • What does the term "cultural diffusion" refer to in human geography?

  • To analyze the influence of the Silk Road on cultural diffusion, which scale should you use?

  • What historical event is an example where population distribution contributed to cultural diffusion?

  • What does cultural diffusion refer to?

  • How does cultural diffusion impact a society's traditional gastronomy?

  • How does cultural diffusion impact cultural landscapes?

  • Which event significantly increased the spread of Islam through cultural diffusion in the 7th century?

  • Which historical event exemplifies the concept of cultural diffusion in AP Human Geography?

  • Which concept best illustrates the cultural diffusion of blue jeans from the United States to other countries?

  • Which type of cultural diffusion involves the spread of an idea or innovation from its source to other areas by direct contact?

  • What type of cultural diffusion refers to the process through which certain characteristics spread over space such that their growth rates are directly related to the amount and duration at each source?

  • Which type of cultural diffusion best describes the spread of Buddhism from India to China?

  • What kind of cultural diffusion is represented by the spread of English language due to British colonialism?

  • Which type of cultural diffusion does McDonald's global expansion exemplify?

  • What type of cultural diffusion is represented by Buddhism spreading along trade routes from India to East Asia?

  • In which city would you most likely find a fusion of Chinese and Indian cultures due to cultural diffusion?

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About Us

About Fiveable

Blog

Careers

Code of Conduct

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

CCPA Privacy Policy

Resources

Cram Mode

AP Score Calculators

Study Guides

Practice Quizzes

Glossary

Cram Events

Merch Shop

Crisis Text Line

Help Center

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.