AP Human Geography
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3.6 Contemporary Causes of Cultural Diffusion
Verified for the 2025 AP Human Geography exam•Last Updated on June 18, 2024
Globalization
Globalization - the interconnection of all regions of the world through politics, technology, communication, marketing, economics, manufacturing, and sociocultural processes. This resulted from waves of industrialization and technological innovations, social media, popular music culture, and immigration. The rapid connectivity altered society from an agrarian society with local connections to an industrial society with global connectivity which has both positive and negative consequences.
- Positives of Globalization: increased communication worldwide. Becoming informed of news and pop culture.
- Negatives of Globalization: loss of cultural uniqueness/folk cultural traditions, loss of indigenous languages(decreased linguistic diversity)
Urbanization
Urbanization - the population shift from rural areas to urban areas, the gradual increase in the proportion of people living in urban areas. The rise of Industry caused the rise in urbanization.
- Diversity: Urban areas, such as large cities, generally tend to be more diverse, with a larger population of people with unique backgrounds, cultures, and countries.
- Multiculturalism: Urban areas often have neighborhoods or areas that are known for their cultural diversity. These areas, known as multicultural neighborhoods, can be a melting pot of different cultures, customs, and traditions.
- Economic opportunities: People are attracted to areas with a lot of economic opportunities for employment which can bring people to an area from all over the world.
- Social mixing: Because of the dense population in urban areas, social mixing is a lot more common.
Technology
Technology allows the world to be more easily connected by providing easy access to information and people from other cultures.
- Global communication: The internet and social media allow for information to be instantly shared across borders, and for people to communicate easily. This makes it easy for people from different cultures to connect.
- Online content: A lot of pop culture, as in music, movies, TV shows, and pretty much any form of media allow for people from all over the world to access this media and consume it leading to cultural influences.
- E-commerce: Online shopping!!! Amazon and other online markets make it very easy to purchase products from all over the world which leads to the spread of goods.
- Social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and a million other social media platforms allow people to share their lives and cultures with others.
- Virtual reality: VR technology is becoming very popular and accessible. It allows people to experience different cultures in a very immersive way, which can lead to a better understanding and appreciation of other cultures.
Travel and Migration
As people travel and migrate from one country to another, they bring their customs and traditions with them, this is through direct contact.
Other causes:
- Intermarriage: When two people from different cultures meet and fall in love, their cultures can blend within their families.
- Food: As people travel and migrate, they bring their traditional foods with them. This leads to the spread of new types of cuisine and the blending of different food cultures
- Religion: Religious beliefs are very important to culture as well. As people move, they bring their religious beliefs with them, which can lead to the spread of new religious practices and the blending of different religious cultures
- Language: People also bring their language with them when they travel. This leads to the blending of different linguistic cultures
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Key Terms to Review (17)
Diversity: Diversity refers to the presence of a wide range of different cultural, ethnic, religious, and social groups within a specific context. It plays a crucial role in shaping cultural diffusion, as the interaction between various groups can lead to the exchange of ideas, traditions, and practices. This dynamic not only enriches cultural landscapes but also impacts social structures, economies, and policies within communities.
Economic Opportunities: Economic opportunities refer to the chances or prospects individuals or groups have to improve their financial status, access resources, and engage in economic activities. These opportunities often shape cultural diffusion, as people migrate for better jobs or living conditions, and can influence social dynamics as they affect different populations, particularly women, in the workforce.
E-commerce: E-commerce refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet, encompassing a wide range of online business activities. It has revolutionized traditional commerce by allowing consumers to purchase products directly from sellers without the constraints of physical locations. As a contemporary cause of cultural diffusion, e-commerce facilitates the spread of cultural products and services across borders, enhancing global connectivity and cultural exchange.
Food: Food refers to any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for the body. It plays a crucial role in cultural practices and social behaviors, often reflecting the history and identity of a community. The ways food is produced, shared, and celebrated can illustrate both historical and contemporary cultural diffusion, showcasing the evolution of agricultural practices and the blending of diverse culinary traditions.
Global Communication: Global communication refers to the exchange of information and ideas across international borders, facilitated by advancements in technology and media. This interconnectedness allows for the rapid dissemination of cultural practices, values, and knowledge, contributing significantly to cultural diffusion in the modern world. As people connect through various platforms, they share their cultures, leading to a blending and evolving of traditions and lifestyles.
Globalization: Globalization refers to the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, economies, cultures, and populations through trade, communication, and technology. This phenomenon has transformed cultural patterns, political governance, and economic systems worldwide.
Intermarriage: Intermarriage refers to the practice of marrying individuals from different cultural, ethnic, or religious backgrounds. This phenomenon is significant in the context of cultural diffusion, as it often leads to the blending and exchange of traditions, values, and practices between groups, fostering greater understanding and coexistence among diverse communities.
Language: Language is a system of communication that consists of sounds, symbols, and gestures used by humans to convey thoughts, ideas, and emotions. It plays a crucial role in cultural identity and is a primary means through which cultural diffusion occurs, shaping the way societies interact and evolve.
Multiculturalism: Multiculturalism is the coexistence of diverse cultural groups within a society, promoting the recognition, appreciation, and preservation of different cultural identities. It emphasizes the value of cultural diversity and encourages interactions among various cultural communities, leading to enriched social dynamics and cross-cultural exchanges.
Online Content: Online content refers to any information, media, or resources that are available on the internet, including text, images, videos, and interactive elements. This type of content is a vital aspect of contemporary cultural diffusion as it allows for the rapid sharing and exchange of ideas, values, and practices across different cultures and geographic locations.
Religion: Religion is a system of beliefs, practices, and values centered around questions of existence, purpose, and the nature of the universe, often involving a higher power or deity. It plays a significant role in shaping cultural identities, influencing social norms, and contributing to the formation of landscapes and patterns within societies.
Social Mixing: Social mixing refers to the interaction and integration of individuals from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds within a community or space. This concept is crucial in understanding how different groups can coexist and influence each other, leading to cultural diffusion through shared experiences and exchanges.
Social Media: Social media refers to digital platforms and applications that enable users to create, share, and interact with content and each other. These platforms, like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, have become crucial tools for communication and expression, facilitating the rapid spread of cultural ideas and practices across the globe.
Technology: Technology refers to the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, particularly in industry and everyday life. It shapes how cultures interact, develop, and adapt, influencing everything from agricultural practices to urban sustainability and cultural diffusion.
Travel and Migration: Travel and migration refer to the movement of people from one place to another, whether for short-term visits or long-term relocation. This phenomenon can significantly influence cultural diffusion, as individuals carry their customs, beliefs, and practices into new environments. The motivations behind travel and migration include economic opportunities, political stability, social connections, and the search for better living conditions, all of which contribute to the spread of cultural traits across regions.
Urbanization: Urbanization is the process by which an increasing percentage of a population comes to live in urban areas, leading to the growth and expansion of cities. This phenomenon is closely tied to social, economic, and environmental changes, impacting various aspects of life such as demographics, cultural diffusion, and infrastructure development.
Virtual Reality: Virtual Reality (VR) is a computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional environment that can be interacted with using special equipment, such as headsets and controllers. This technology immerses users in a fully interactive digital world, allowing them to experience and engage with the environment in ways that resemble real-life interactions. VR is increasingly used for various purposes, including entertainment, education, and training, making it a significant driver of cultural diffusion as new ideas and experiences are shared globally.