Cultural diffusion describes how nations unite and spread worldwide from one culture to another. Sometimes, people use the expression transcultural distribution to make out an idea spreading across nations instead of within cultures.
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Cultural Diffusion
The term “What is cultural diffusion” describes how different pieces of culture spread and merge.
Cultural diffusion occurs through Times of conflict, Migration, and Trade is present.
Cultural Diffusion Examples
Examples of ideas that spread via cultural diffusion include
Religion
Language
Types of Cultural Diffusion
Relocation Diffusion
Expansion Diffusion
Contagious Diffusion
Hierarchical Diffusion
Stimulus Diffusion
Maladaptive Diffusion
Types of Cultural Diffusion Summary Table
Below are different types of cultural diffusion, along with examples.
Name |
Definition |
Example |
Relocation Diffusion |
Relocation diffusion is the blowout of cultures when people travel to different places—people who move from one place to another and often adapt to the new culture. Sometimes, if many immigrants migrate together, they might be able to integrate and establish their culture in the new location. | An example of relocation diffusion is the development and popularity of places like Chinatown in New York and San Francisco. The people who brought these cities to life could integrate their culture in new locations. |
Expansion Diffusion |
is when a cultural idea spreads to a new place but remains popular where it began. It has expanded in popularity. | A book may be popular in the United States and then become popular in another country. It doesn’t become less popular in the United States. Its popularity expands. |
Contagious Diffusion |
is a type of expansion diffusion. It describes how ideas can spread through one-on-one interactions between individual people. | The way viral videos are spread is a great example. Imagine that a friend sends you a funny video, and then you send it to two friends. Then, they send it to friends, and the pattern repeats. |
Hierarchical Diffusion |
is another type of expansion diffusion. It describes how an idea can move from the top of the social pyramid to the bottom. | Fashion is an excellent example of hierarchical diffusion. You might see a celebrity, famous athlete, or influencer wearing a particular shoe brand, so you buy and wear the identical shoe. |
Stimulus Diffusion |
Stimulus diffusion is the third type of expansion diffusion. It describes how culture may change as it moves from one place to another. It may or may not stay the same in its point of origin, but it evolves as it spreads to other places. | A popular restaurant menu varies based on the country the branch is located in. For example, a branch near the ocean may offer more seafood on its menu. |
Maladaptive Diffusion |
Describes occasions where a culture spreads to a new area, but it might not be relevant and does not adapt to the new surroundings. | I am trying to make a game popular in a climate that does not support it. |
Cultural Diffusion and the Silk Road
The Silk Road, also known as the Silk Roads or the Silk Route, was a trade route network connecting China, Europe, and the Middle East. It was important because it allowed goods to be traded to other regions. It also allowed for cultural ideas to spread from one region to another.
The movement of cultural ideas from one place to another is a significant example of it. However, the term cultural diffusion describes how different pieces of culture spread and unite. So, what did this look like along the Silk Road?
Many cities popped up along the Silk Road. These cities were great places for merchants, traders, and travelers to join large groups. As the diverse group of travelers was exposed to one another, their cultures and customs were shared. This often happened in caravansaries.
Caravansaries were like small roadside hotels built along major trade routes like the Silk Road. They were popular from the 3rd to the 17th centuries and used by merchants and caravans transporting goods as a safe place for respite. Not only were they spaces for travelers to rest, but they also functioned as exchange hubs. Not only were goods exchanged, but ideas were also shared.
Religion
It’s important to realize that while the Silk Road may have facilitated the trade of physical goods, it also facilitated the trade of something else: important cultural aspects such as religion.
Religion forms a large part of one’s identity. Many of them feel it’s essential to be able to exercise their religion wherever they travel. This was true along the Silk Road as well. Many people built shrines and houses of worship along it. Missionaries would often travel alongside merchants and other travelers.
Travelers along the Silk Road were exposed to various religions, including Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Shinto, and Christianity.
Religion and other ideologies spread among those who traveled through Central Asia.
Buddhism
Buddhism blowout from India to Pakistan and Afghanistan. Where merchants built temples and shrines, Priests and monks filled the temples and preached to those who traveled through them. This enabled religion to spread via cultural diffusion. Buddhism also continued to spread to China, Korea, and Japan.
Christianity
Christianity also spread along the Silk Road by cultural diffusion, known as Nestorianism. Those who practiced this religion built churches along the Silk Road and preached to travelers. It spread to Persia, India, and China.
Technology
The Silk Road was not just a way for religion to spread through cultural diffusion, but it also allowed goods to be traded and technology to spread from region to region.
Popular technology spreads through today’s society, and maybe a friend of yours will get a fantastic smartwatch. Then, a few other friends get one. You decide to purchase one.
Chinese Technology
The Chinese had four great inventions. They were
Papermaking
Gunpowder
The Compass
Moveable type
These developments spread along the Silk Road as technology moved west. And also Silkworms and silk spinning spread along with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cultural diffusion?
Cultural diffusion is the movement and merging of different pieces of culture.
How does cultural diffusion affect societies around the world?
Cultural diffusion gives societies access to new ideas and technology.
How did trade enable cultural diffusion?
As medieval people traveled to trade goods, they encountered new people with new ideas. As they interacted with one another, they were exposed to new concepts.
How does culture diffuse around the world?
Cultural diffusion happens through trade, migration, and conflict.
Why is cultural diffusion critical?
It’s important because it gives people access to new ideas, items, and technology.
Key takeaways
Cultural diffusion, or the movement of ideas and technologies worldwide, happens through times of conflict, migration, and trade.
Ideas that spread via cultural diffusion include philosophy, religion, fashion, language, and technology.
There are many subtypes of cultural diffusion.
The Silk Road facilitated the movement of goods, technology, and ideas along its trade routes.