AP Human Geography Unit 3: Culture and Cultural Diffusion

Introduction

• Focus on culture and its effects on human environments.
• Key topics: Definition of culture, cultural landscapes, cultural diffusion, impacts of cultural traits.

Definition of Culture

• Culture: Shared practices, technologies, attitudes, behaviors passed down by society.
• Cultural Iceberg:
  • Above water: Observable traits (language, clothing, behavior).
  • Below water: Less observable (thought patterns, cultural rules).

Cultural Traits

• Categories:
  1. Food Preferences: Reflect cultural history (e.g., Singapore's Southern Chinese influence).
  2. Architecture: Shows regional variation (e.g., adobe homes in SW USA).
  3. Land Use: Displays cultural values (e.g., grass lawns in Nevada).
• Attitudes toward Cultural Differences:
  • Cultural Relativism: Embracing different cultures by their standards.
  • Ethnocentrism: Judging other cultures by one's own cultural standards.

Cultural Landscapes

• How cultures modify the physical environment.
• Categories:
  1. Agriculture & Industry: Distinct practices (e.g., rice paddies, McDonald's placelessness).
  2. Religion: Sacred spaces (churches, mosques).
  3. Linguistic Characteristics: Language reflects cultural presence (Chinatown signs).
  4. Sequent Occupants: Cultural marks over time (Dome of the Rock).
  5. Architecture: Traditional vs. Postmodern styles.

Influence of Values on Space

• Factors:
  1. Ethnicity: Cultural enclaves (Indian cuisine influence).
  2. Gender: Property rights and segregation (Kenya, India).
  3. Ethnic Neighborhoods: Concentrated cultural areas (Chinatown).
  4. Indigenous Communities: Unique governance (Indian reservations).

Placemaking and Sense of Place

• Placemaking: Modifying landscape to fit cultural values.
• Sense of Place: Emotional and cultural connection to a place.
• Contributing Factors:
  1. Language: Dialects and regional identity.
  2. Religion: Regional religious architecture.
  3. Ethnicity: Cultural landmarks (mosques, community centers).

Cultural Diffusion

• Definition: Spread of cultural traits from one place to another.
• Types:
  1. Relocation Diffusion: Traits spread via migration.
  2. Expansion Diffusion: Traits spread while original group stays put.
     • Contagious Diffusion: Rapid spread (slang).
     • Hierarchical Diffusion: Top-down spread (hip-hop music).
     • Stimulus Diffusion: Inspired new traits (Maharaja Mac).

Historical Causes of Diffusion

• Processes:
  1. Colonialism & Imperialism: Cultural imposition and assimilation.
  2. Trade: Exchange of cultural traits (Silk Road, religion spread).
• Lingua Franca: A common language for communication (e.g., English).
• Creolization: New languages from mixing (e.g., Afrikaans).

Contemporary Causes of Diffusion

• Globalization: Interconnectedness leading to cultural exchange.
• Urbanization: City living promotes cultural mingling and change.
• Mechanisms of Spread:
  1. Media: Films, stories.
  2. Technological Change: Internet and social media.
  3. Politics: Global policies and cultural norms.
  4. Economics: Online marketplaces.
• Effects:
  • Cultural Convergence: Cultures become more similar over time.
  • Cultural Divergence: Cultures maintain distinctiveness.

Language and Religion Diffusion

• Language: Categorization (family, branch, dialects).
• Religion: Universalizing (Christianity, Islam) vs. Ethnic (Hinduism).
• Diffusion Methods:
  • Universalizing: Spread widely (missionary work).
  • Ethnic: Limited spread, close to cultural hearth.

Outcomes of Cultural Diffusion

1. Acculturation: Adoption of some traits while maintaining original culture.
2. Assimilation: Almost complete adoption of another culture.
   • Forced and Voluntary.
3. Syncretism: Blending of cultural traits.
4. Multiculturalism: Coexistence of multiple cultural identities.

Conclusion

• Culture and its diffusion are complex and ever-evolving.
• Understanding these processes is crucial for comprehending human geography.