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Cultural Diffusion Definition
Cultural diffusion describes the way cultures merge and spread around the world. Ideas can spread within a culture or from one culture to another. Sometimes people use the phrase transcultural diffusion to call out an idea spreading across cultures instead of within cultures.
Cultural Diffusion
the term cultural diffusion describes how different pieces of culture spread and merge
Cultural diffusion happens through
times of conflict
trade
Cultural Diffusion Examples
Examples of ideas that spread via cultural diffusion include
- philosophy
- religion
- fashion
- language
- technology
Types of Cultural Diffusion
Relocation Diffusion
Expansion Diffusion
Contagious Diffusion
Hierarchical Diffusion
Stimulus Diffusion
Maladaptive Diffusion
Fig. 1: Glasgow Chinatown. Source: Wikimedia Commons
Types of Cultural Diffusion Summary Table
Below you can learn about the different types of cultural diffusion, along with examples.
Name | Definition | Example |
Relocation Diffusion | Relocation diffusion is the spread of cultures when people migrate to different places. People who move from one place to another and often adapt to the new culture. Sometimes, if many immigrants migrate together, they might be able to integrate and establish their culture in the new location. | An example of relocation diffusion is the development and popularity of places like Chinatown in New York and San Francisco. The people who brought these cities to life were able to integrate their culture in new locations. |
Expansion Diffusion | is when a cultural idea spreads to a new place but remains popular where it began. It has expanded in popularity. | A book may be popular in the United States and then become popular in another country. It doesn't become less popular in the United States. Its popularity expands. |
Contagious Diffusion | is a type of expansion diffusion. It describes how ideas can spread through one-on-one interactions between individual people. | The way viral videos are spread is a great example. Imagine that a friend sends you a funny video, and then you send it to two friends. Then they send it to a few friends, and the pattern repeats. |
Hierarchical Diffusion | is another type of expansion diffusion. It describes how an idea can move from the top of the social pyramid to the bottom. | Fashion is an excellent example of hierarchical diffusion. You might see a celebrity, famous athlete, or influencer wearing a particular brand of shoe, so you buy and wear the identical shoe. |
Stimulus Diffusion | Stimulus diffusion is the third type of expansion diffusion. It describes how culture may change as it moves from one place to another. It may or may not stay the same in its point of origin, but it evolves as it spreads to other places. | A popular restaurant menu varies based on the country the branch is located in. For example, a branch near the ocean may offer more seafood on its menu. |
Maladaptive Diffusion | describes occasions where a culture spreads to a new area, but it might not be relevant and does not adapt to the new surroundings. | Trying to make a sport popular in a climate that does not support it. |
Cultural Diffusion and the Silk Road
The Silk Road, also known as the Silk Roads or the Silk Route, was a network of trade routes that connected China, Europe, and the Middle East. It was significant because it allowed goods to be traded to other regions. It also allowed for cultural ideas to spread from one region to another.
The movement of cultural ideas from one place to another is a significant example of cultural diffusion. Remember, the term cultural diffusion describes how different pieces of culture spread and merge. So, what did this look like along the Silk Road?
Many cities popped up along the Silk Road; These cities were naturally great places for merchants, traders, and other travelers to come together in large groups. As the diverse group of travelers was exposed to one another, their cultures and customs were shared. This often happened in caravansaries.
Caravansaries were like small roadside hotels built along major trade routes like the Silk Road. They were popular from the 3rd to the 17th centuries and used by merchants and caravans transporting goods as a safe place for respite. Not only were they space for travelers to rest, but they also functioned as exchange hubs. Not only were goods exchanged, but ideas were also shared.
Fig. 2: The Desert Castle Qasr Kharana in Jordan
Religion
It's important to realize that while the Silk Road may have facilitated the trade of physical goods, it also facilitated the trade of something else: important cultural aspects such as religion.
Religion forms a large part of one's identity. Many feel it's essential to be able to practice their religion wherever they travel. This was true along the Silk Road as well. Many people built shrines and houses of worship along the Silk Road. Missionaries would often travel alongside merchants and other travelers.
Travelers along the Silk Road were exposed to various religions, including Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Shinto, and Christianity.
Religion and other ideologies spread among those who traveled through Central Asia.
Buddhism:
Buddhism spread from India to Pakistan and Afghanistan. Buddhist merchants built temples and shrines as they traveled the Silk Road. Priests and monks filled the temples and preached to those who traveled through. This enabled religion to spread via cultural diffusion. Buddhism continued to spread to China, Korea, and Japan.
Christianity
Christianity also spread along the Silk Road by cultural diffusion. Christianity on the Silk Road was known as Nestorianism. Those who practiced this religion built churches along the Silk Road and preached to travelers. It spread to Persia, India, and China.
Technology
The Silk Road was not just a way for religion to spread via cultural diffusion. It also allowed for goods to be traded from region to region. The Silk Road allowed for technology to spread through cultural diffusion.
Popular technology spreads through today's society. What does this look like? Well, maybe a friend of yours will get a fantastic smartwatch. Then a few other friends get one. You decide to purchase one.
Chinese Technology
The Chinese had four great inventions. They were
- papermaking
- gunpowder
- the compass
- moveable type
These advances were spread along the Silk Road as the technology moved west. Silkworms and silk spinning spread along the Silk Road.
Fig. 3: The Silk Road.
Cultural Diffusion Summary
Cultural diffusion describes the way cultures merge and spread around the world. Ideas can spread within a culture or from one culture to another. 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.
It is important to note that there are several types of cultural diffusion. A list is provided below, with examples and definitions in the text above.
Relocation Diffusion
Expansion Diffusion
Contagious Diffusion
Hierarchical Diffusion
Stimulus Diffusion
Maladaptive Diffusion
The Silk Road, also known as the Silk Roads or the Silk Route, was a network of trade routes that connected China, Europe, and the Middle East. It was significant because it allowed goods to be traded to different regions. It also allowed for cultural ideas to spread from one region to another. This happened as towns were developed along the network of trade routes. Caravansaries, temples, and shrines facilitated the spread of religious ideas.
The Silk Road was not just a way for religion to spread via cultural diffusion. It also allowed for goods to be traded from region to region. The Silk Road allowed for technology to spread through cultural diffusion.
Cultural Diffusion - Key takeaways
- Cultural diffusion, or the movement of ideas and technologies worldwide, happens through times of conflict, migration, and trade.
- Ideas that spread via cultural diffusion include philosophy, religion, fashion, language, and technology.
- There are many subtypes of cultural diffusion.
- The Silk Road facilitated the movement of goods, technology, and ideas along its trade routes.
References
- Fig. 2: The Desert Castle Qasr Kharana in Jordan. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_desert_castle_Qasr_Kharana_in_Jordan.JPG. Picture by High Contrast. Licensed by CC-By-3.0. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/de/deed.en
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cultural Diffusion
What is cultural diffusion?
Cultural diffusion is the movement and merging of different pieces of culture.
How does cultural diffusion affect societies around the world?
Cultural diffusion gives societies access to new ideas and technology.
How did trade enable cultural diffusion?
As medieval people traveled to trade goods, they encountered new people with new ideas. As they interacted with one another, they were exposed to new concepts.
How does culture diffuse around the world?
Cultural diffusion happens through trade, migration, and conflict.
Why is cultural diffusion important?
It's important because it gives people access to new ideas, items, and technology.
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