Cultural Diffusion, Convergence and Divergence Notes
Name:
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What is “diffusion?” – spreading
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How is culture diffused?
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Migration (example: European languages and religions brought to America)
Conflict
Travel
Communication (books, movies, TV…)
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Cultural Diffusion: When a cultural element or elements are transmitted from one
group to another.
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Cultural Convergence: When the elements of culture spread by one group are
accepted and used by another group
Examples…the popularity of Mexican food in the US and McDonalds around
the world
Example from your life:
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Cultural Divergence: Some countries want to limit the spread of new cultural
elements; a good example is France
At least 40% of things on TV must be in French
On the radio, at least 40% of songs played must be by French artists (and
at least half must be new artists)
Others are governments with unlimited power that want to limit what people read
and hear…North Korea is a good example
Example from your life: