Unit 3 Full Guide

Chapters 1-3

Key Terms to Know

• Culture – Shared beliefs, practices, and material traits of a group.

• Cultural Landscape – Human-modified environments that reflect culture.

• Sequent Occupance – The layering of cultural influences over time.

• Cultural Diffusion – The spread of cultural traits.

• Culture Hearth – Origin of a cultural trait.

• Cultural Convergence – Cultures becoming more alike.

• Cultural Divergence – Cultures staying distinct due to isolation.

1. Introduction

A. Definition

• Culture: The shared practices, technologies, attitudes, and behaviors of a society.

• It includes language, religion, customs, traditions, food, art, and social structures.

B. Types

1. Material Culture – Tangible things (clothing, architecture, tools).

2. Non-Material Culture – Beliefs, traditions, values, language, and religion.

C. Components

• Language: Communication system that shapes identity.

• Religion: Belief systems that influence traditions.

• Customs & Traditions: Social practices passed down through generations.

• Social Organization: Family structures, government, education.

2. Cultural Landscapes

A. Definition of Cultural Landscape

• The visible imprint of human activity on the landscape.

• Coined by geographer Carl Sauer.

B. Components of Cultural Landscapes

1. Built Environment – Man-made structures (buildings, roads, monuments).

2. Agricultural Patterns – Farming techniques, types of crops.

3. Religious & Linguistic Expressions – Temples, churches, mosques, signage.

4. Economic & Industrial Development – Factories, trade centers, urbanization.

C. Types of Cultural Landscapes

1. Urban Landscapes – Skyscrapers, highways, public spaces (e.g., New York City).

2. Rural Landscapes – Farms, small villages, pastoral lands (e.g., Amish communities).

3. Sacred Landscapes – Religious or spiritual sites (e.g., Jerusalem, Mecca).

4. Industrial Landscapes – Factories, ports, commercial hubs (e.g., Detroit).

D. Sequent Occupance

• The idea that different cultures leave their mark on a place over time.

• Example: Rome has ruins from ancient times, medieval churches, and modern buildings.

3. Cultural Patterns

A. Definition of Cultural Patterns

• The spatial distribution of cultural traits across landscapes.

B. Cultural Diffusion

1. Relocation Diffusion – People physically move and bring culture (e.g., Spanish language in Latin America).

2. Expansion Diffusion – Culture spreads outward from a central point.

   • Hierarchical Diffusion – Spreads from elite or major cities (e.g., fashion from Paris).

   • Contagious Diffusion – Spreads rapidly, like a virus (e.g., TikTok trends).

   • Stimulus Diffusion – Cultural idea spreads but is adapted (e.g., McDonald's in India serves veggie burgers).

C. Cultural Realms & Regions

1. Culture Hearths – Where cultures originated (e.g., Mesopotamia, China, Egypt).

2. Cultural Regions:

   • Formal Region – Defined by shared cultural traits (e.g., Latin America).

   • Functional Region – Organized around a central point (e.g., New York’s subway system).

   • Vernacular Region – Perceived regions (e.g., "The South" in the U.S.).

D. Cultural Convergence vs. Cultural Divergence

• Cultural Convergence: Cultures become more alike due to globalization (e.g., English as a global language).

• Cultural Divergence: Cultures remain distinct due to isolation (e.g., Indigenous tribes in the Amazon).

Chapters 4-6

Key Terms to Know

• Diffusion – The spread of cultural elements from one place to another.

• Relocation Diffusion – Spread via physical movement of people.

• Expansion Diffusion – Spread without people physically moving.

• Hierarchical Diffusion – Spread from top-down (elites, cities).

• Contagious Diffusion – Rapid, widespread diffusion.

• Stimulus Diffusion – Cultural adaptation of an idea.

• Globalization – Increasing interconnectedness of the world.

1. Types of Diffusion

Diffusion is the process by which cultural traits, ideas, or innovations spread from one place to another.

A. Two Main Types of Diffusion

1. Relocation Diffusion – The spread of culture through the physical movement of people.

   • Example: Spanish language spreading to Latin America via colonization.

2. Expansion Diffusion – The spread of culture without the physical movement of people.

   • Subtypes of Expansion Diffusion:

     • Hierarchical Diffusion – Spreads from influential people or places first.

       • Example: Fashion trends from Paris to global cities.

     • Contagious Diffusion – Spreads rapidly, affecting nearly everyone it contacts.

       • Example: Viral social media trends like TikTok dances.

     • Stimulus Diffusion – A cultural trait spreads but is adapted or modified.

       • Example: McDonald's serving different menu items in different countries.

2. Historical Causes of Diffusion

Throughout history, cultural diffusion has been driven by a variety of factors:

A. Colonialism & Imperialism

• European colonization of the Americas, Africa, and Asia spread languages, religions, and political systems.

• Example: The spread of Christianity through Spanish and Portuguese colonization.

B. Trade & Silk Roads

• Trade networks facilitated cultural exchange.

• Example: The spread of Buddhism from India to China via the Silk Road.

C. Migration

• People moving for economic, political, or environmental reasons brought cultural elements with them.

• Example: The spread of African culture and food traditions due to the Atlantic Slave Trade.

D. Wars & Conquests

• Empires imposed their culture on conquered lands.

• Example: The spread of Latin language and Roman architecture through the Roman Empire.

3. Contemporary Causes of Diffusion

In the modern world, diffusion is largely driven by globalization and technological advancements.

A. Globalization & Economic Interdependence

• The world is more connected due to trade, travel, and business relationships.

• Example: The spread of American fast food chains like McDonald's worldwide.

B. Technology & Digital Communication

• Social media, television, and the internet spread culture instantly.

• Example: K-pop gaining global popularity through YouTube and streaming services.

C. Migration & Urbanization

• High rates of migration create diverse cultural landscapes in cities.

• Example: The spread of Middle Eastern cuisine in Western countries due to migration.

D. Political & Economic Policies

• Governments promote cultural diffusion through international relations and policies.

• Example: China’s Belt and Road Initiative spreading Chinese influence in Africa and Asia.

E. Popular Culture & Media

• Movies, music, fashion, and sports contribute to cultural diffusion.

• Example: Hollywood movies being watched worldwide, influencing global fashion and language.

Chapters 7-8

Key Terms to Know

• Diffusion – The spread of cultural elements over space.

• Lingua Franca – A common language used for communication between speakers of different languages.

• Creolization – The blending of languages.

• Relocation Diffusion – Language or religion spreading through migration.

• Hierarchical Diffusion – Spread influenced by leaders or elites.

• Contagious Diffusion – Rapid and widespread spread of ideas.

• Stimulus Diffusion – The adaptation of an idea in a new culture.

• Globalization – Increased cultural interconnectedness due to trade, migration, and technology.

1. Diffusion of Religion

Religions spread through relocation and expansion diffusion, often influenced by migration, conquest, trade, and globalization.

A. Types of Religious Diffusion

B. Major Religions & Their Diffusion

1. Christianity

   • Origin: Middle East (Israel).

   • Diffusion:

     • Relocation: European missionaries brought it to the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

     • Hierarchical: Roman emperors adopted Christianity, spreading it through Europe.

     • Contagious: Missionary activity and colonialism expanded the faith.

2. Islam

   • Origin: Arabian Peninsula (Mecca & Medina).

   • Diffusion:

     • Contagious: Spread quickly across the Middle East and North Africa.

     • Hierarchical: Muslim leaders expanded Islamic rule (Ottoman Empire).

     • Relocation: Muslim migration to Europe and the U.S. expanded Islam’s presence.

3. Buddhism

   • Origin: India (Siddhartha Gautama).

   • Diffusion:

     • Contagious: Spread through trade along the Silk Road.

     • Hierarchical: Adopted by emperors in China, Korea, and Japan.

     • Stimulus: Blended with local religions (e.g., Zen Buddhism in Japan).

4. Hinduism

   • Origin: South Asia (India).

   • Diffusion:

     • Relocation: Indian migration spread Hinduism to Southeast Asia and beyond.

     • Limited expansion diffusion since Hinduism is closely tied to ethnicity and geography.

5. Judaism

   • Origin: Middle East (Israel).

   • Diffusion:

     • Relocation: Jewish diaspora due to persecution (e.g., expelled from Spain in 1492).

     • Limited expansion diffusion due to ethnic identity.

2. Diffusion of Language

Languages spread through migration, colonization, trade, and technology.

A. Types of Language Diffusion

B. Language Families & Global Diffusion

1. Indo-European Languages – The largest family, includes English, Spanish, Hindi, and French.

   • Spread through European colonization, migration, and trade.

2. Sino-Tibetan Languages – Includes Mandarin Chinese, Cantonese.

   • Spread through trade and China’s political influence.

3. Afro-Asiatic Languages – Includes Arabic, Hebrew.

   • Spread through the expansion of Islam and migration.

4. Niger-Congo Languages – Includes Swahili, Yoruba, Zulu.

   • Spread through trade and cultural interactions in Africa.

C. Lingua Franca & Globalization

• Lingua Franca: A language used for communication between speakers of different native languages.

  • Example: English is a global lingua franca used in business, science, and diplomacy.

• Creolization: The blending of languages, often in colonial settings.

  • Example: Haitian Creole (mix of French and African languages).

3. Effects of Diffusion

A. Positive Effects of Religious & Language Diffusion

1. Cultural Blending – New languages, religious traditions, and hybrid cultures emerge.

   • Example: Christianity blending with Indigenous traditions in Latin America.

2. Economic Opportunities – English as a global business language increases trade.

3. Increased Diversity & Tolerance – Multicultural societies develop with religious and linguistic pluralism.

B. Negative Effects of Religious & Language Diffusion

1. Loss of Indigenous Languages – Global languages like English and Spanish replace native tongues.

   • Example: Many Native American languages have gone extinct.

2. Religious Conflicts – Differences in beliefs can lead to tensions and violence.

   • Example: Religious tensions between Hindus and Muslims in India.

3. Cultural Imperialism – Dominant languages and religions may suppress local traditions.

   • Example: French replacing Indigenous languages in colonial Africa.