Continuity and Change in Culture

Definition

This term refers to the ongoing process of cultural evolution, where certain aspects of a culture remain constant (continuity) while others evolve or transform over time (change).

Analogy

Think of culture as your favorite playlist. Some songs (cultural elements) you keep forever because they're timeless classics (continuity), but you also add new songs and remove some old ones to keep it fresh and relevant (change).

Related terms

Cultural Diffusion: The spread of cultural beliefs, social activities, and ideas from one group to another.

Cultural Revolution: A radical change in a society's culture often driven by political ideologies.

Cultural Heritage: The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes inherited from past generations that are maintained in the present and bestowed for future generations.