cultural diffusion (2024)

FAQs

What is cultural diffusion? ›

Cultural diffusion refers to when certain cultural values, ideas, or even cultures are adopted by different cultures. These other cultures then either blend or merge with the adopted culture depending on circ*mstances such as level of influence or number geographical proximity to the adopted culture.

Examples of cultural diffusion today include K-Pop, Bollywood movies, Hollywood movies, ideas, memes, and just about anything else that can be spread via the Internet and social media.

Examples of diffusion include the spread of the war chariot and iron smelting in ancient times, and the use of automobiles and Western business suits in the 20th century.

Colonialism is a violent form of cultural diffusion. Here's an example: Christianity started in Israel but is now practiced all over the world, initially spread by the Roman Empire. Through missionaries that spread religious beliefs, Christianity is one of the universalizing religions practiced worldwide.

Common Cultural Diffusions

The spread of music throughout the world also illustrates cultural diffusion. For example, jazz started in the US as a blend of African and European musical traditions. Now, it's enjoyed across the globe, taking on many different variations within the genre.

A tea bag immersed in a cup of hot water will diffuse into the water and change its colour. A spray of perfume or room freshener will get diffused into the air by which we can sense the odour. Sugar gets dissolved evenly and sweetens the water without having to stir it.

One example of cultural diffusion is the availability of Chinese food in America. Another example of cultural diffusion is how most world cultures have access to cell phones and usually smartphones.

Cultural diffusion happens through times of conflict, migration, and trade. Diffusion from migration and trade are especially significant in cultural diffusion along the Silk Road. Examples of ideas that spread via cultural diffusion include philosophy, religion, fashion, language, and technology.

A common argument against cultural appropriation is the concept of cultural diffusion: a normal process by which communities exchange and assimilate other cultures. Often, arguments against cultural appropriation will equate appropriation with diffusion.

What is an example of cultural diffusion in early North America? ›

An example of an effect of cultural diffusion in early North America is the introduction of European goods and technology to Native American communities. As European settlements grew in the 1600s, European goods like textiles, metal cooking implements, and flint and steel were adopted by Native Americans.

Perfume is sprayed in one part of a room, yet soon it diffuses so that you can smell it everywhere. A drop of food coloring diffuses throughout the water in a glass so that, eventually, the entire glass will be colored.

An example of direct diffusion is between the United States and Canada, where the people living on the border of these two countries engage in hockey, which started in Canada, and baseball, which is popular in American culture.

Christianity did spread through cultural diffusion. Early Christians converted other people nearby. Also, Christians have traveled over to numerous other countries, bringing their religion with them. These are examples of how it spread through cultural diffusion.

One example of cultural diffusion is the availability of Chinese food in America. Another example of cultural diffusion is how most world cultures have access to cell phones and usually smartphones.

Diffusion is the natural movement of particles from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration due to random molecular motion. Movement will continue until a state of equal concentration occurs. Examples: food dye spreading out in a cup of water or a smell slowly dissipating throughout a room.

An example of a cultural trait potentially influenced by drift is the name given to newborn babies. Most parents choose a pre-existing name for their child, while others invent a new name. Over time, some names become more prevalent, while others decline in frequency and may even be lost from a population.

Cultural diffusion has the potential to be negative, positive, or neutral. Discriminatory attitudes toward women, minority groups, and those with disabilities are examples of negative cultural diffusion. Advances in technology or health practices are examples of positive cultural diffusion.