Human Geography, Culture, Anthropology & Sociology

Human Geography

The study of how humans interact with the environment, create cultures, and organize space.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural traits, ideas, or products from one society to another.

Cultural Hearth

A region where a culture originated and from which it spread.

Migration

The movement of people from one place to another.

Push-Pull Factors

Reasons people leave (push) or are drawn to (pull) an area, such as war or jobs.

push

factors or conditions that drive people away from a place (e.g., war, poverty)

pull

factors that attract people to a new place (e.g., jobs, safety).

Political oppression

Which of the following is the best example of a sociological push factor for migration?

Urbanization

The increase in the population of people living in cities.

Job opportunities in another country

Which of the following is an example of a pull factor in migration

Population Density

The number of people per unit of land area (e.g., people per square mile).

Demographics

Statistical data about populations (e.g., age, race, income).

Birth Rate

The number of live births per 1,000 people per year.

Death Rate

The number of deaths per 1,000 people per year.

Immigration

Entering and settling in a country that is not one's native country.

Emigration

Leaving one's country to live in another.

Refugee

A person who flees their country due to conflict, persecution, or disaster.

Population Pyramid

A graph that shows the age and sex distribution of a population, often used to understand growth trends and social needs.

A high birth rate and a growing population, often seen in developing countries.

What does a wide base on a population pyramid indicate?,

A low birth rate and aging population, common in developed countries facing population decline.

What does a narrow or shrinking base on a population pyramid suggest?,

It shows a high birth rate and low life expectancy, meaning many young people but few elderly—typical of developing countries.

What does a wide base but narrow top on a population pyramid suggest?

Latitude and Longitude

A grid system used to determine exact locations on Earth.

Absolute Location

Exact location using latitude and longitude.

Relative Location

Location of a place in relation to other places.

Place

The physical and human characteristics that define a location.

Region

An area defined by common features (e.g., political, physical, cultural).

Formal Region

A region defined by official boundaries or data (e.g., states, countries).

Functional Region

A region centered around a node or focal point (e.g., a metro area).

Perceptual Region

A region defined by people's perceptions or feelings (e.g., "the South").

Infrastructure

Basic systems of a society (e.g., roads, water supply, power).

Urban Sprawl

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into surrounding rural land.

Site

The physical setting of a settlement.

Situation

How a settlement relates to surrounding features like water, resources, and roads.

Sustainability

Meeting current needs without compromising future generations.

Globalization

The increasing interconnectedness of economies, societies, and cultures.

Resource Scarcity

Limited availability of natural resources like water, oil, or land.

Renewable Resources

Resources that replenish naturally, like water, air, and sunlight.

Non-Renewable Resources

Resources that deplete faster than they replenish (e.g., oil).

Carrying Capacity

The number of people an environment can sustainably support.

Green Revolution

The increase in agricultural production using new technology in the 20th century.

Agricultural Revolution

The shift from hunting and gathering to farming.

Subsistence Farming

Farming to feed one's family with little surplus.

Commercial Farming

Farming for profit, often large-scale.

Desertification

The spread of desert conditions due to overuse and climate.

Deforestation

Clearing forests for development or agriculture.

More Developed Country (MDC)

A country with industrialized, advanced economy.

Less Developed Country (LDC)

A country with little industrialization and low income.

Demographic Transition Model (DTM)

A model showing population change based on birth/death rates.

Cultural Landscape

The visible imprint of human activity on the landscape.

Distribution

The spatial location of where people live on Earth.

Biome

A group of ecosystems with similar climate, animals, and plants.

Human Development Index (HDI)

A measurement of health, education, and standard of living.

Culture

Shared beliefs, values, and practices passed from one generation to the next.

Cultural Traits

Individual aspects of human activity that shape social life.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural traits or ideas from one group to another.

Acculturation

Adopting traits of another culture while maintaining your own.

Assimilation

A minority group adopts the dominant group's culture, often losing its own.

Ethnocentrism

Judging another culture by the standards of your own.

Cultural Relativism

Understanding a culture on its own terms without judgment.

Socialization

The process of learning norms, values, and behaviors accepted by society.

Norms

Social rules that define acceptable behavior.

Values

Core beliefs and standards shared by society.

Role

Expected behavior for someone in a certain social position.

Status

A person's position in society (ascribed or achieved).

Primary Groups

Close, personal relationships (e.g., family).

Secondary Groups

Larger, more impersonal groups (e.g., coworkers).

Social Institutions

Structures like family, education, religion, and government that meet societal needs.

Social Stratification

The division of society into levels based on wealth, power, or status.

Socioeconomic Class

A group defined by similar income, education, or status.

Social Class

A category of people with similar social and economic standing.

Social Mobility

The ability to move up or down in social status.

Gender Roles

Culturally expected behaviors for males and females.

Discrimination

Unfair treatment based on group membership.

Prejudice

A preconceived opinion not based on reason or experience.

Stereotype

An oversimplified belief about a group.

Group Dynamics

How individuals behave and interact in groups.

Social Change

Shifts in society's norms, values, and structures.

Social Movement

Collective effort to promote or resist change (e.g., Civil Rights Movement).

Mass Media

Communication channels that influence large audiences.

Functionalism

Views society as a system where each part serves a purpose.

Conflict Theory

Views social life as a struggle for power and resources.

Symbolic Interactionism

Focuses on how people use symbols to communicate and interact.

Social Control

Ways society encourages conformity (laws, norms).

Positive Sanctions

Rewards for acceptable behavior (e.g., praise, awards).

Negative Sanctions

Penalties for negative behavior (e.g., fines, disapproval).

Cultural Region

An area defined by shared cultural traits (e.g., the Midwest).

Cultural Adaptation?

Adjusting to fit into a new culture.

Nationality?

The state or nation to which someone belongs.

Bias

Prejudiced leanings or unfair assumptions.

Social Conflict

Disagreements or tension between social groups.

Sociological Structures

Social organization that shapes behavior.

Social Solidarity

Unity in a society based on shared values and norms.

Dominant Culture

The culture of the most powerful group in society.