CULTURAL DIFFUSION
What the syllabus says ….
Describe cultural traits in terms of language, customs, beliefs, dress, images, music, food and technology.
How can we define cultural diffusion and integration?
How do cultures spread around the world? Is there a dominant global culture and how has it developed?
Cultural diffusion is the diffusion (spread) of a dominant “global culture”. It could be argued that this leads to a reduction of the cultural differences and a dilution of local cultures.
Cultural integration is the increasing integration of the different cultures found throughout the world.
Globalisation, in its broad sense, refers to the diffusion (spread) of; manufacturing, services, markets, culture, lifestyle, capital, technology and ideas across national boundaries and around the world. Also the integration of these geographically dispersed economic and social activities. ��
Cultural diffusion
How can we define culture?
Culture can be seen as the common values and traditions of a group of people. The “way of life” which is passed down through generations
What are cultural traits?
Cultures are expressed through cultural traits, which are the distinguishing / identifying features of a particular culture.
Language, beliefs, dress, images, music, food, technology, sports, humour, patterns of social behaviour etc.
Tasks
Using the list above, write brief notes on cultural traits. Use p.144-150 to help you.
Now think of how your country’s culture has been influenced by other cultures.
Reasons for cultural diffusion
Use p.151-154 ‘Global Interactions’ to summarise using the following sub-headings: