AMSCO AP Human Geography - 3.1: Introduction to Culture

culture

The shared beliefs, practices, norms, and values of a group, encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, and arts.

cultural traits

The individual elements, visible and invisible, that make up a culture, such as customs, traditions, and behaviors.

cultural complex

A series of interrelated traits.

culture hearth

Area where a unique culture or trait is created.

diffuse

The spread of culture from their hearths to other areas.

taboos

Cultural prohibitions that restrict certain behaviors or practices.

Traditional culture

A broad term that encompasses folk, traditional, and indigenous cultures in which all three consist of passing down long-held beliefs, values, and practices, which are mostly resistant to changes within their culture.

Folk culture

Cultural practices and traditions that are characteristic of small, homogeneous, rural communities, often passed down through generations. These cultures emphasize local customs, oral traditions, and a strong sense of community. It may show the adaptations to their physical environment.

Indigenous culture

Cultural practices and beliefs that are native to a specific region or community, often rooted in the history and traditions of the local people. One example are Native Americans.

globalization

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

popular culture

Cultural practices and trends that are widespread and often influenced by mass media, technology, and globalization, typically associated with urban areas and diverse populations.

global culture

Cultural practices that are widespread and often characterized by mass media influence, consumerism, and trends that transcend local boundaries.

cultural landscape

The visible imprint of human activity on the physical environment, shaped by cultural practices, values, and social interactions.

artifacts

Objects created or used by humans that reflect cultural practices, beliefs, and values.

mentifacts

The intangible elements of culture, such as language, beliefs, values, and knowledge that shape a society's worldview.

sociofacts

The social structures and organizations of a culture, including family systems, political institutions, and educational systems that influence social behavior.

material culture

The physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture, including tools, clothing, and buildings.

nonmaterial culture

The intangible aspects of culture that include values, beliefs, norms, and customs that shape a society's behaviors and practices.