Cultural Diffusion
Definition
Cultural diffusion is the spread of cultural beliefs, social activities, and ideas from one group to another.
Analogy
Think of cultural diffusion like a viral video on social media. It starts with one person or group (the original culture), then it gets shared and reshared (diffused) until people all over the world are watching it (adopting elements of the culture).
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)
Study guides (3)
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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