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Cultural Diffusion: Causes and Effects

Dec 11, 2024

Contemporary Causes and Effects of Cultural Diffusion

Introduction

  • Cultural ideas and practices are socially constructed, not divinely ordained.
  • Different cultures develop distinct ideas over time, e.g., individualism in the US vs. communalism in Japan.

Forces Affecting Cultural Change

Small Scale

  • Travel: Easier travel enables cultural exchanges, potentially altering travelers' cultural ideas.

Large Scale

  1. Globalization:

    • Interweaving of global economic, political, and social systems.
    • Driven by world wars, multinational businesses, and communication technologies.
    • Accelerated by digital technology.
  2. Urbanization:

    • Increasing size and influence of cities.
    • Cities are diverse, exposing inhabitants to different cultural ideas.

Mechanisms of Cultural Diffusion

  1. Media:

    • Global distribution of films, e.g. "Top Gun Maverick" spreading American values.
    • Popularity of Japanese anime and European soccer.
  2. Technological Changes:

    • Internet enables instant interaction with diverse cultural ideas.
    • Example: Global spread of K-pop through social media.
  3. Globalized Politics:

    • 193 UN member countries.
    • UN promotes global peace, cooperation, and gender equity, influencing cultural norms.
  4. Economics:

    • Global adoption of Western economic systems, especially free market capitalism.
  5. Social Relationships:

    • UN's influence on gender equity.

Effects of Cultural Interaction

  1. Cultural Convergence:

    • Cultures adopting common traits, becoming more alike.
    • Threat to indigenous languages due to dominance of languages like English and Chinese.
  2. Cultural Divergence:

    • Cultures become more distinct through interaction.
    • Example: Amish reject modern technologies to preserve cultural traditions.

Conclusion

  • Understanding cultural diffusion helps comprehend global cultural dynamics.
  • Various forces and mechanisms drive this diffusion, leading to convergence and divergence.

  • Note Guides: Available in the video description for detailed notes.
  • Further Review: Encouraged for additional understanding and preparation.