Introduction to Culture - AP Human Geography
- What is culture in the context of human geography?
- Culture is the shared practices, technologies, attitudes, and behaviors of a society. Encompasses all learned behaviors and beliefs passed down through generations.
- What is relocation diffusion?
- Relocation diffusion occurs when people move and bring cultural traits with them. Physical movement of people spreads their cultural practices to new locations.
- Identify an example of material culture.
- Architecture, clothing, or technology. These are physical objects created and used by human societies.
- What is a cultural norm?
- A cultural norm is a rule or guideline regarding what kinds of behavior are acceptable. Unwritten rules that govern social behavior and expectations.
- What is cultural identity?
- Cultural identity is the feeling of belonging to a group or culture. Shaped by shared language, traditions, and collective experiences.
- What is assimilation?
- Assimilation is when a group's cultural features are altered to resemble another group. Complete cultural transformation where original traits are largely abandoned.
- Identify an example of non-material culture.
- Religious beliefs or language. These are abstract ideas that shape how people think and behave.
- What is the impact of globalization on culture?
- Globalization can lead to the spread and homogenization of cultures. Increases cultural exchange but may reduce cultural diversity.
- What is linguistic diversity?
- Linguistic diversity refers to the range of different languages spoken in an area. Measures the variety of languages present in a geographic region.
- What is a taboo?
- A taboo is a restriction on behavior imposed by social custom. Violations often result in social disapproval or punishment.
- What is cultural lag?
- Cultural lag occurs when non-material culture struggles to adapt to new material conditions. Technology often advances faster than social acceptance and adaptation.
- Define hierarchical diffusion.
- Hierarchical diffusion spreads ideas from authority or power to others. Ideas flow from leaders, celebrities, or influential figures downward.
- What is popular culture?
- Popular culture is found in large, heterogeneous societies, sharing certain habits. Spread through mass media and appeals to diverse, widespread populations.
- What is contagious diffusion?
- Contagious diffusion is the rapid, widespread diffusion of a characteristic. Spreads quickly through direct contact, like a disease or viral trend.
- Define cultural relativism.
- Cultural relativism is the practice of evaluating a culture by its own standards. Promotes understanding by avoiding judgment based on external standards.
- What is a cultural trait?
- A cultural trait is a single element of normal practice in a culture. Basic building blocks that combine to form larger cultural complexes.
- Identify a major language family.
- Indo-European. Includes English, Spanish, Hindi, and many other related languages.
- Define folk culture.
- Folk culture is traditionally practiced by small, homogeneous, rural groups. Passed down through generations in small, isolated communities.
- What is cultural divergence?
- Cultural divergence is when cultures become different over time. Isolation or resistance causes cultures to develop distinct characteristics.
- What is the role of language in culture?
- Language is a key component of cultural identity and transmission. Essential for preserving and passing cultural knowledge between generations.
- What is cultural appropriation?
- Cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements of one culture by another culture. Often controversial when done without permission or understanding of significance.
- Define non-material culture.
- Non-material culture includes ideas, beliefs, values, and norms. Abstract concepts that guide behavior but cannot be physically touched.
- What is a cultural hearth?
- A cultural hearth is a center where cultures developed and from which ideas spread. Origin points where major cultural innovations first emerged and diffused.
- Define globalization in cultural terms.
- Globalization is the process of increased interconnectedness among countries. Creates worldwide networks that spread cultural practices rapidly.
- What is acculturation?
- Acculturation is the adoption of cultural traits by one group under influence of another. Cultural contact leads to borrowing traits while maintaining original identity.
- Define syncretism.
- Syncretism is the blending of different cultural or religious traditions. Creates new hybrid practices from combining different cultural elements.
- Define stimulus diffusion.
- Stimulus diffusion is when a cultural trend spreads but is changed by adopters. The core idea spreads but gets modified to fit local conditions.
- What is secularism?
- Secularism is the principle of separating religion from civic affairs. Promotes religious neutrality in government and public institutions.
- What is material culture?
- Material culture includes physical objects, resources, and spaces people use. Tangible items that can be touched and seen in society.
- Identify a modern example of a cultural hearth.
- Silicon Valley for technological innovation. A contemporary source of innovation that influences global technology culture.
- Define universalizing religions.
- Universalizing religions aim to be global, appealing to all people wherever they live. Actively seek converts regardless of cultural or geographic background.
- What is ethnocentrism?
- Ethnocentrism is evaluating other cultures based on the standards of one's own culture. Can lead to cultural bias and prejudice against other societies.
- Identify a characteristic of ethnic religions.
- Ethnic religions are often closely tied to a specific location or ethnic group. These religions typically concentrate in specific geographic regions.
- Identify the two main types of culture.
- Material culture and non-material culture. Distinguishes between tangible objects and intangible ideas/beliefs.
- Name a type of cultural diffusion.
- Relocation diffusion. One of several ways cultural traits spread across space and time.
- What is a cultural region?
- A cultural region is an area where people share similar cultural traits. Geographic areas unified by common cultural characteristics and practices.
- Define cultural convergence.
- Cultural convergence is the tendency for cultures to become more alike. Globalization often drives cultures to adopt similar practices worldwide.
- What is a dialect?
- A dialect is a regional variation of a language distinguished by vocabulary and pronunciation. Local variations often reflect geographic isolation and cultural differences.
- What is a cultural landscape?
- A cultural landscape is the visible imprint of human activity on the environment. Shows how humans have modified and shaped their natural surroundings.
- What is cultural diffusion?
- Cultural diffusion is the spread of cultural beliefs and social activities. Movement of cultural elements from one place or group to another.