AP Human Geography

Advanced Placement Human Geography exploring spatial relationships and human-environment interactions.

Spatial Concepts and PatternsHuman-Environment InteractionScale and Geographic Inquiry
Population Distribution and DensityDiffusion of Culture and InnovationUrbanization and City Models
Using Maps and GISEnvironmental SustainabilityInterpreting Demographic Data
Analyzing Maps and VisualsUsing Geographic VocabularyTime Management on the Exam
Spatial Concepts and...Human-Environment In...Scale and Geographic...Population Distribut...Diffusion of Culture...Urbanization and Cit...Using Maps and GISEnvironmental Sustai...Interpreting Demogra...Analyzing Maps and V...Using Geographic Voc...Time Management on t...
Advanced Topics

Diffusion of Culture and Innovation

How Ideas and Cultures Spread

Diffusion is the process by which cultural traits, innovations, and ideas spread from one place to another.

Types of Diffusion

  • Relocation Diffusion: People move and bring their culture with them.
  • Expansion Diffusion: An idea spreads outward from its origin.
    • Hierarchical Diffusion: Spreads through important people or places first.
    • Contagious Diffusion: Spreads rapidly and widely among people.
    • Stimulus Diffusion: The general idea spreads, but changes as it moves.

Real-World Examples

  • Sushi becoming popular worldwide is an example of relocation diffusion.
  • Fashion trends often spread through hierarchical diffusion, starting in big cities.

Applications

Understanding diffusion helps explain language patterns, technology adoption, and global culture.

Examples

  • The spread of smartphones from developed to developing countries.

  • Latin music becoming popular in the United States.

In a Nutshell

Diffusion explains how cultures, ideas, and innovations travel and change the world.

Key Terms

Diffusion
The spread of ideas, innovations, or cultural traits.
Hierarchical Diffusion
Spread from key people or places to others.
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Urbanization and City Models