Unit 3: Cluster #1

Diffusion

The spread of cultural elements, ideas, or innovations from one area to another

Expansion Diffusion

The spread of a cultural trait or idea outward from its hearth while remaining strong in its origin

Contagious Diffusion

A type of expansion diffusion where an idea or trend spreads rapidly and widely, like a virus, affecting nearly everyone it encounters

Hierarchical Diffusion

The spread of ideas or traits from influential or powerful figures/places to others in a structured manner, such as from cities to smaller towns

Stimulus Diffusion

The spread of an underlying principle or idea, even if a specific characteristic fails to diffuse

Relocation Diffusion

The spread of cultural traits through the physical movement of people from one place to another

Culture

The shared beliefs, practices, behaviors, and material traits of a group of people

Cultural Landscape

The visible imprint of human activity on the environment, including architecture, land use, and cultural symbols

Cultural Convergence

The process where different cultures become more alike due to interaction and exchange of ideas

Cultural Divergence

The process where cultures become increasingly different due to isolation or resistance to outside influences

Cultural Norms

Shared expectations and rules that guide behavior in a society

Culture Trait

A single element of a culture, such as a specific tradition, language, or food practice

Cultural Relativism

The idea that a culture should be understood and judged based on its own values rather than compared to another culture

Culture Region

A geographic area where a specific culture or cultural traits dominate

Artifact

A tangible object created and used by a culture, such as tools, clothing, or buildings

Sociofact

The social structures and institutions that influence human behavior, such as family, government, or religion

Mentifact

The non-material aspects of culture, such as beliefs, values, and language

Hearth

The geographic origin of a cultural trait or innovation

Folk/Local Culture

A traditionally practiced culture that is unique to a small, homogenous group, often in rural areas

Popular/Global Culture

A widely diffused, rapidly changing culture that influences large, diverse societies

Ethnic Neighborhood

A community where a specific ethnic group resides, maintaining its cultural practices and traditions

Ethnocentrism

The belief that one’s own culture is superior to others, leading to biased judgments

Gendered Spaces

Physical spaces designed or used differently based on gender norms and expectations

Placelessness

The loss of unique cultural identity in a place due to globalization and uniform landscapes

Sense of Place

The emotional attachment and meaning a person associates with a particular location

Sequent Occupance

The idea that successive groups leave cultural imprints on a place, shaping its identity over time

Toponym

The name of a place, often reflecting its history, culture, or geography

Taboo

A socially or culturally forbidden practice or behavior

Terroir

The influence of a place’s environment (climate, soil, geography) on the taste and production of food

Ethnic Patterns

The distribution of ethnic groups within a specific area

Uniform Landscape

The increasing similarity of different places due to the spread of globalized architecture, businesses, and cultural elements

Cultural Realm

A large area where cultures share common traits, such as language, religion, and traditions