3.6 contemporary causes of diffusion

Question 1

distance decay

Answer 1

Historically, due to distance decay and friction of distance closer groups of people were more alike than groups that were further from each other.
Distance Decay refers to the principle that the interaction between two places decreases as the distance between them increases.

Question 2

Friction of distance

Answer 2

Friction of distance: As a cultural trait diffuses, the people who adopt it might alter it - think of the game telephone. Things change over distance and time.

Question 3

Globalization

Answer 3

Globalization is the trend toward increased cultural and economic connectedness between people, businesses, and organizations throughout the world without regard to borders or barriers.

Question 4

Through what methods does popular culture diffuse?

Answer 4

Internet & Technology
Social Media & Relationships
Media (TV/Streaming/Movies/Radio/ Podcasts)
Politics
The Economy
Urbanization

Question 5

Time-space compression/convergence

Answer 5

Time-space compression/convergence: The shrinking of the world due to improvements in communication and transportation technologies.
Facilitates cultural convergence and the widespread diffusion of popular culture.

Question 6

Cultural Convergence:What are the results of the widespread diffusion of culture?

Answer 6

Cultural Convergence: The process of two or more cultures coming into contact with each other and adopting each other’s traits to become more alike.
World Sports
Kpop
McDonald’s
Language

Question 7

The results of time-space convergence and the widespread diffusion of popular culture are:

Answer 7

Loss of indeginous languages and traditional cultures.
Of about 5,000-6,000 languages being spoken today, only half will exist in 100 years.

Question 8

What causes the extinction of languages and cultures?

Answer 8

Genocide
Pressure of globalization and cultural convergence
Laws against the use of indigenous languages
For example, in Turkey the Kurds are forbidden by the government to print or formally teach their language.
Native American Boarding schools in the US from 1890s-1960s.

Question 9

Cultural Divergence

Answer 9

Cultural Divergence: Cultures become LESS alike due to both cultural and physical barriers. The process of a culture restricting contact with other cultures in an attempt to retain its originality. Separating/distinguishing from mainstream.
Amish Culture is distinctive due to isolation from mainstream US culture and a rejection of electricity and modern technologies.