Introduction to Culture - AP Human Geography

Cultural lag occurs when non-material culture struggles to adapt to new material conditions. Technology often advances faster than social acceptance and adaptation.

Culture is the shared practices, technologies, attitudes, and behaviors of a society. Encompasses all learned behaviors and beliefs passed down through generations.

Material culture and non-material culture. Distinguishes between tangible objects and intangible ideas/beliefs.

Material culture includes physical objects, resources, and spaces people use. Tangible items that can be touched and seen in society.

Non-material culture includes ideas, beliefs, values, and norms. Abstract concepts that guide behavior but cannot be physically touched.

Architecture, clothing, or technology. These are physical objects created and used by human societies.

Religious beliefs or language. These are abstract ideas that shape how people think and behave.

Relocation diffusion. One of several ways cultural traits spread across space and time.

Relocation diffusion occurs when people move and bring cultural traits with them. Physical movement of people spreads their cultural practices to new locations.

Hierarchical diffusion spreads ideas from authority or power to others. Ideas flow from leaders, celebrities, or influential figures downward.

Contagious diffusion is the rapid, widespread diffusion of a characteristic. Spreads quickly through direct contact, like a disease or viral trend.

Stimulus diffusion is when a cultural trend spreads but is changed by adopters. The core idea spreads but gets modified to fit local conditions.

Assimilation is when a group's cultural features are altered to resemble another group. Complete cultural transformation where original traits are largely abandoned.

Cultural convergence is the tendency for cultures to become more alike. Globalization often drives cultures to adopt similar practices worldwide.

Cultural divergence is when cultures become different over time. Isolation or resistance causes cultures to develop distinct characteristics.

A cultural hearth is a center where cultures developed and from which ideas spread. Origin points where major cultural innovations first emerged and diffused.

Silicon Valley for technological innovation. A contemporary source of innovation that influences global technology culture.

Popular culture is found in large, heterogeneous societies, sharing certain habits. Spread through mass media and appeals to diverse, widespread populations.

Folk culture is traditionally practiced by small, homogeneous, rural groups. Passed down through generations in small, isolated communities.

Globalization can lead to the spread and homogenization of cultures. Increases cultural exchange but may reduce cultural diversity.

Cultural identity is the feeling of belonging to a group or culture. Shaped by shared language, traditions, and collective experiences.

A taboo is a restriction on behavior imposed by social custom. Violations often result in social disapproval or punishment.

Ethnic religions are often closely tied to a specific location or ethnic group. These religions typically concentrate in specific geographic regions.

Universalizing religions aim to be global, appealing to all people wherever they live. Actively seek converts regardless of cultural or geographic background.

Secularism is the principle of separating religion from civic affairs. Promotes religious neutrality in government and public institutions.

Indo-European. Includes English, Spanish, Hindi, and many other related languages.

A dialect is a regional variation of a language distinguished by vocabulary and pronunciation. Local variations often reflect geographic isolation and cultural differences.

Syncretism is the blending of different cultural or religious traditions. Creates new hybrid practices from combining different cultural elements.

Cultural appropriation is the adoption of elements of one culture by another culture. Often controversial when done without permission or understanding of significance.