AP Human Geography Unit Three

acculturation

the process through which individuals or groups adopt the cultural traits or social patterns of another group, often resulting in a blend of cultures.

assimilation

refers to the process of absorbing and incorporating new information or experiences into existing knowledge or beliefs. It involves making sense of new information by relating it to what is already known.

centrifugal force

forces or attitudes that pull a state apart.

centripetal force

nationalistic forces that bind a country together.

colonialism

a system where a country extends its power over other territories, exploiting them economically and politically for resources and control.

contagious diffusion

the spread of an idea, innovation, or disease through direct contact between individuals or neighboring areas. It involves rapid and widespread transmission.

creolization

the process of cultural mixing and blending that occurs when different cultures come into contact and create new cultural forms.

cultural convergence

refers to the process where different cultures become more similar or blend together due to globalization and increased interaction.

cultural divergence

refers to the process by which different cultures become increasingly distinct from one another over time, often due to various factors such as geographical separation, historical events, or social influences.

cultural hearth

a place where cultural traits, ideas, and innovations originate and spread to other regions.

cultural landscape

refers to the visible human imprint on an area, including buildings, structures, and other physical features that reflect the culture of a society.

cultural relativism

the principle that an individual's beliefs and activities should be understood based on that individual's own culture, rather than judged against the criteria of another culture.

ethnic neighborhood

An area within a city where people of a particular ethnicity reside, often characterized by cultural institutions, businesses, and social networks specific to that group.

ethnocentrist

A person who evaluates other cultures based on the standards of their own culture, often believing their own culture is superior.

expansion diffusion

a type of cultural diffusion where an idea or innovation spreads outward from its source continuously, affecting more people or areas without losing its strength.

globalization

the process of increased interconnectedness and interdependence among countries, economies, cultures, and people worldwide through trade, technology, and communication.

hierarchical diffusion

a type of diffusion where ideas or innovations spread from larger to smaller places or from higher to lower levels of authority or power.

imperialism

a policy where a country extends its power through diplomacy or military force to gain control over other territories, often for economic or strategic reasons.

multiculturalism

a social or educational policy that encourages the coexistence of diverse cultural groups within a society, promoting respect, equality, and understanding among different cultures.

placemaking

a collaborative process that involves designing and shaping public spaces to promote community engagement, well-being, and a sense of belonging among residents.

relocation diffusion

the spread of an idea, innovation, or cultural trait through the movement of people from one location to another.

sense of place

The feeling evoked by a location due to its unique physical and cultural characteristics, influencing one's emotional connection and perception of the space.

sequent occupancy

refers to the cultural succession and layering of different groups in a specific place over time, leaving their mark on the area's cultural landscape.

syncretism

the merging of different beliefs or practices into a new whole, often in the context of religion or culture.

time-space convergence

The reduction in travel time between places due to improved transportation and communication technologies.

toponym

a name given to a place on Earth, such as a city, state, country, or street.

urbanization

the process by which people move from rural areas to urban areas, and the ways in which societies adapt to this change.