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3.4 Mr. Sinn Types of Diffusion

Apr 8, 2025

Diffusion in AP Human Geography

Introduction

  • Diffusion is the spread of a cultural element, item, group of people, or phenomenon from one place to another.
  • Key concept: understanding the origin or hearth of a cultural element.

Types of Diffusion

1. Relocation Diffusion

  • Occurs when a culture or group physically moves from one place to another.
  • No new individuals adopt the trait; the number of participants remains the same.
  • Often leads to the original hearth shrinking or dying off.
  • Example: The Amish migrating from Europe to the United States in the 1700s.

2. Expansion Diffusion

  • Involves the addition of more people adopting the cultural trait.
  • The hearth remains strong as it expands outward.

Types of Expansion Diffusion

  • Hierarchical Diffusion

    • Spreads through systems or structures, often top-down (e.g., fashion trends from cities to smaller areas).
    • Can also occur bottom-up (reverse hierarchical diffusion), such as a small business expanding to cities.
    • Example: Games becoming popular through social media influencers.
  • Contagious Diffusion

    • Spreads quickly and universally without structures, like viral videos or memes.
    • Example: The spread of a smell in a room.
  • Stimulus Diffusion

    • The trait changes as it spreads but the underlying concept remains the same.
    • Example: McDonald's adapting menus and store layouts to different cultures.

Barriers to Diffusion

  • Cultural Barriers: Language, religious, or cultural disapproval can slow diffusion.
    • Example: Restricted access to contraceptives in religious communities.
  • Political Barriers: Government policies or regulations.
  • Geographic Barriers: Physical separation, though less relevant with technology.
  • Economic Barriers: Financial constraints limiting interaction.

Overcoming Barriers

  • Technological advancements like the internet and mobile technology reduce physical barriers.

Conclusion

  • Modern diffusion faces more political, economic, and cultural barriers than physical.
  • Check resources and quiz answers in the description or comments for further practice.

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