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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