🚜ap human geography review

key term - Surroundings

Definition

Surroundings refer to the environment or context in which cultural practices and social interactions take place. This includes not only the physical space, such as geographic features and built environments, but also the social, economic, and historical factors that influence how cultures develop and interact. The concept emphasizes that culture is shaped by its surroundings, which play a crucial role in determining cultural identity and practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Surroundings encompass both natural and built environments, shaping the lifestyle and traditions of different cultures.
  2. Cultural practices can vary greatly based on the surroundings, as factors like climate, topography, and available resources influence what is possible.
  3. The interaction between different cultures often leads to changes in surroundings, as communities adapt their environments to fit their cultural needs.
  4. Surroundings can also include social elements such as community norms, economic systems, and historical contexts that affect cultural development.
  5. Understanding surroundings is key to grasping how cultures evolve over time and how they maintain their identities in changing environments.

Review Questions

  • How do surroundings influence cultural practices and identities?
    • Surroundings play a significant role in shaping cultural practices and identities by providing the physical and social context in which cultures develop. Geographic features like mountains, rivers, and climate conditions affect what activities are possible, influencing everything from food production to architectural styles. Additionally, social aspects such as community structures, economic systems, and historical experiences create a framework within which cultural norms and values are established.
  • Discuss how changes in surroundings can lead to cultural adaptations or transformations.
    • Changes in surroundings can prompt cultural adaptations or transformations as societies respond to new environmental conditions or influences. For example, urbanization may lead to shifts in traditional practices as communities adapt to city life, while natural disasters can force cultural reevaluation and reconstruction of social norms. These adaptations demonstrate the dynamic relationship between culture and its surroundings, highlighting the resilience and flexibility of cultural identities.
  • Evaluate the impact of globalization on local cultures in relation to their surroundings.
    • Globalization has profound implications for local cultures as it fosters interaction across different surroundings, often leading to both positive and negative outcomes. On one hand, globalization can introduce new ideas, technologies, and practices that enrich local cultures. On the other hand, it may threaten local traditions as global influences overshadow indigenous practices. This interplay highlights the ongoing negotiation between preserving cultural identity and embracing change in diverse environments.