AP Human Geography Chapter 5 Key Terms

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to Cultural Geography as per the lecture notes.

Cultural Landscape

The visible imprint of human activity on the landscape.

Cultural Synthesis (Syncretism)

The combining of different cultural elements into a new form.

Built Environment

The human-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity.

Modern Architecture

A style of architecture that emerged in the early 20th century characterized by minimalism and functional design.

Postmodern Architecture

A reaction against modern architecture distinguished by eclectic styles and a focus on aesthetic diversity.

Linguistic Region

An area defined by the presence of a specific language or dialect.

Dialect

A regional variety of a language distinguished by pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary.

Pidgin

A simplified language that develops as a means of communication between speakers of different native languages.

Cultural Identity

The identity of a group, influenced by culture, language, religion, and traditions.

Universalizing Religions

Religions that seek to spread their beliefs universally, such as Christianity and Islam.

Ethnic Religions

Religions associated with a specific ethnic group, generally localized.

Monotheistic

Belief in a single god.

Polytheistic

Belief in multiple gods.

Caste System

A hierarchical structure in society, often associated with Hinduism.

Environmental Determinism

The theory that the physical environment predisposes societies and cultures to particular development trajectories.

Cultural Globalization

The worldwide exchange and integration of ideas, values, and cultural practices.

Ethnic Cleansing

The attempt to establish a region as ethnically homogeneous by using force or intimidation to remove individuals of particular ethnic groups.

Genocide

The deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group.

Cultural Landscape

The visible imprint of human activity on the landscape.

Cultural Synthesis (Syncretism)

The combining of different cultural elements into a new form.

Built Environment

The human-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity.

Modern Architecture

A style of architecture that emerged in the early 20th century characterized by minimalism and functional design.

Postmodern Architecture

A reaction against modern architecture distinguished by eclectic styles and a focus on aesthetic diversity.

Linguistic Region

An area defined by the presence of a specific language or dialect.

Dialect

A regional variety of a language distinguished by pronunciation, grammar, or vocabulary.

Pidgin

A simplified language that develops as a means of communication between speakers of different native languages.

Cultural Identity

The identity of a group, influenced by culture, language, religion, and traditions.

Universalizing Religions

Religions that seek to spread their beliefs universally, such as Christianity and Islam.

Ethnic Religions

Religions associated with a specific ethnic group, generally localized.

Monotheistic

Belief in a single god.

Polytheistic

Belief in multiple gods.

Caste System

A hierarchical structure in society, often associated with Hinduism.

Environmental Determinism

The theory that the physical environment predisposes societies and cultures to particular development trajectories.

Cultural Globalization

The worldwide exchange and integration of ideas, values, and cultural practices.

Ethnic Cleansing

The attempt to establish a region as ethnically homogeneous by using force or intimidation to remove individuals of particular ethnic groups.

Genocide

The deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group.

Cultural Diffusion

The spread of cultural elements from one society to another.

Natural Landscape

The physical environment unaffected by human activity.

Mixed-use Development

A type of development that blends residential, commercial, cultural, and institutional uses.

Urbanization

The process by which cities grow or develop, resulting in changes in population distribution.

Suburbanization

The movement of people from urban areas to suburban areas, often associated with population increases in the suburbs.

Gentrification

The process of urban renewal that happens when wealthier individuals move into a previously lower-income neighborhood, resulting in rising property values.

Cultural Homogenization

The process by which different cultures become more similar due to the influence of dominant cultures, especially through globalization.

Cultural Diversity

The presence of multiple different cultures within a society or region, including variations in languages, religions, and traditions.

Transnationalism

The process by which individuals and families establish social, economic, and political connections across national boundaries.

Cultural Imperialism

The imposition of one culture over another, often through media, economics, or political influence.

Social Stratification

A system by which society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy, often based on wealth, education, or power.

Identity Politics

Political movements or viewpoints that advocate for the interests of specific social groups based on aspects of their identity.

Diaspora

A scattered population whose origin lies in a separate geographic locale, often associated with the migration of specific ethnic groups.

Secularization

The process through which religious institutions or practices lose their social significance or influence over time.

Religious Pluralism

A situation in which multiple religions coexist and have an accepted presence in a community or society.

Nationalism

A political ideology that emphasizes the interests and culture of a particular nation, often leading to a desire for self-governance.

Multiculturalism

A perspective that recognizes and values the presence of multiple cultures within a society, promoting diversity and inclusion.

Integration

The process by which individuals from different groups come to interact and form a cohesive society, while maintaining their cultural identities.

Assimilation

The process by which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the practices and norms of another culture, often leading to a loss of original cultural identity.

Socialization

The lifelong process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their culture and society.

Acculturation

The cultural modification of an individual or group as a result of contact with a different culture, often involving adoption of some cultural traits.

Racism

The belief that one race is inherently superior to others, often resulting in discrimination and prejudice based on race.

Xenophobia

Fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers, often leading to discrimination or hostility towards them.

Gender Roles

Socially constructed roles and behaviors considered appropriate for individuals based on their gender in a given society.

Cultural Relativism

The practice of assessing a culture by its own standards rather than viewing it through the lens of another culture.

Ethnocentrism

The evaluation of other cultures according to preconceptions originating in the standards and customs of one's own culture.

Social Movement

A collective effort by a large group of people to bring about or resist social change, often driven by shared beliefs and goals.

Collective Memory

The shared pool of knowledge and information that is held in the memories of a group of people.

Cultural Indicators

Measurements used to reflect the state of different aspects of culture within a society, such as trends in art, literature, and values.

Information Society

A society in which the creation, distribution, and manipulation of information is a significant economic, political, and cultural activity.

Global Village

The concept that the world has become a smaller place due to advances in communication and transportation technology, facilitating global interactions.

Sustainability

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, often in the context of environmental and economic practices.

Consumer Culture

A culture in which personal worth and identity are closely linked to consumption patterns, often leading to materialism and economic focus.

Digital Divide

The gap between individuals who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not, leading to inequality in information access and opportunities.

Civic Engagement

Individual and collective actions designed to identify and address issues of public concern, often within the context of community or political involvement.