Culture Aspects/Diffusion

Culture

The set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterize a group of people or society. It encompasses language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music, and arts. It evolves with humans, as countries evolve, so does its culture.

Folk culture

Cultural traditions and practices rooted in a specific community, often passed down through generations. It typically includes customs, crafts, music, and rituals unique to a particular group.

Pop culture

The set of ideas, practices, and phenomena that are prevalent in mainstream society at a given point in time, often influenced by mass media and consumerism.

Cultural relativism

The practice of understanding a culture on its own terms without judgment from outside perspectives. It suggests that one's beliefs and practices should be understood relative to their cultural context.

Ethnocentrism

The belief in the superiority of one's own culture, often leading to a dismissive or prejudiced view of other cultures. Ethnocentrism evaluates other cultures based on the standards of one's own.

Convergence

The process by which distinct cultures become increasingly similar, often due to globalization, technology, and communication.

Divergence

The process through which cultures become increasingly different over time, often as a response to varying social, economic, and environmental conditions.

Globalization

The process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale, leading to increased cultural exchange and interdependence.

Contemporary diffusion

refers to the current patterns of cultural transfer and exchange that are shaped by modern technology, media, and global communication.

Diasporia

the dispersion of a group of people from their original homeland, often leading to cultural exchange and adaptation in new environments.

Early internet era

the period during the late 20th century when the internet became publicly accessible, transforming communication, information sharing, and cultural exchange globally.

Modern diffusion

describes the process by which cultural elements spread widely through global connections, technology, and social networks.

Political communication

refers to the ways in which information, opinions, and messages are transmitted between political entities, including government, media, and the public. It encompasses the strategies used in political discourse and the impact of digital media on political engagement.

Open society

A social system characterized by a free exchange of ideas, transparency in governance, and active participation of citizens in political processes.

Closed society

A social system that restricts or limits the exchange of ideas, often characterized by censorship, restricted political participation, and limited transparency in governance.

Memetic diffusion

the spread of memes and cultural ideas within a society, often facilitated by social media and other digital platforms.

Cultural humanization

the process by which different cultures become more similar or identical, often due to globalization and cultural exchange.

Syncretism

the blending of different religious or cultural beliefs and practices, creating a new, cohesive system that incorporates elements from both sources.

Glocalization

the adaptation of global ideas to fit local cultures, resulting in unique cultural expressions that reflect both global and local influences.

Cultural impearlism

the practice of promoting and imposing one culture over others, often resulting in the erosion of local cultures and identities.

Identity

How people identify themselves

Gender

the social and cultural roles, behaviors, and expectations associated with being male or female in a given society.

Ethnic groups

socially defined categories based on shared cultural characteristics, such as language, religion, and ancestry.

Race

a socially constructed concept that categorizes people based on physical characteristics, such as skin color, facial features, and hair texture.

Sex

the biological and physiological characteristics that define humans as female or male.

Centripetal forces

factors that unify people within a state, enhancing social cohesion and stability.

Centrifugal courses

factors that tend to destabilize or fragment a nation, leading to divisions among its people.

Redlining

the discriminatory practice of denying services or resources to residents of specific neighborhoods based on their race or ethnicity.

Brownfield

a previously developed land that is not currently in use and may be contaminated. Such sites often require remediation before new development can occur.

Gentrification

the process of renovating and improving urban neighborhoods, often leading to increased property values and displacement of lower-income residents.

Feminist geography

an approach in geography that examines the relationships between space, place, and gender, highlighting how gender inequalities shape social and spatial experiences.

Gender inequality index

a measure that captures gender disparities in areas such as education, labor force participation, and reproductive health, providing insights into overall gender equality within a society.