AP Human Geography, Unit 3: Culture Pt. 1

Cultural Relativism

The idea in which cultures aren't superior above others and should be understood rather than judged.

Cultural Traits

The individual elements making up a culture.

Cultural Landscape

A geographic area altered by human activity, highlighting the relationship between culture and nature.

Cultural Convergence

The process of interaction between multiple cultures where they influence each other and become more similar.

Cultural Divergence

The process of separation between multiple cultures where they become distinct and differ over time.

Cultural Syncretism

The overlapping and blending of distinct cultural traits to form a new hybrid culture.

Multiculturalism

The fundamental principle where multiple cultures can coexist equally in the same society and maintain distinctiveness.

Folk Culture

The traditional culture of homogeneous, typically isolated rural groups having unique customs.

Pop Culture

The prevalent culture within mainstream society influenced by mass media.

Ethnocentrism

The judgement of other cultures based on one's own standards, believing theirs is superior above all others.

Acculturation

The process where people slowly adopt a dominant culture, yet still maintain aspects of their cultural identity.

Assimilation

The process where people fully adopt a dominant culture, typically leading to loss of cultural identity.

Hearth

The original location of a diffused phenomenon.