Types of Diffusion [AP Human Geography Review Unit 3 Topic 4]

Summary

This Mr. Sin Channel video delves into the concept of diffusion in geography, explaining how cultural elements spread from one place to another. It differentiates between relocation diffusion, where people physically move, and expansion diffusion, which sees the trait spread to more people. The video further breaks down expansion diffusion into hierarchical, contagious, and stimulus diffusion, using examples like the Amish migration and McDonald's menu adaptations. It also discusses barriers to diffusion, such as cultural, political, and economic factors, and how technology has reduced physical barriers.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Diffusion is the process of spreading cultural elements, items, groups of people, or phenomena from one place to another.
• 🏠 The origin of a cultural element is known as the 'hearth', and diffusion can be categorized into relocation and expansion diffusion.
• 🚶‍♂️ Relocation diffusion occurs when a culture or group physically moves from one place to another, often leading to the hearth shrinking or dying off.
• 🌱 Expansion diffusion involves the spread of a cultural trait with an increase in the number of people adopting it, keeping the hearth strong.
• 📈 Hierarchical diffusion is a type of expansion diffusion where cultural traits spread from a central point, often top-down, like fashion trends or social media influencers.
• 🔄 Reverse hierarchical diffusion is when a cultural trait starts in a small community and spreads to larger ones, opposite to the usual top-down approach.
• 🌀 Contagious diffusion is characterized by the rapid spread of a cultural trait with little to no barriers, similar to how a viral video or meme spreads.
• 🔄 Stimulus diffusion involves the adaptation of a cultural trait as it spreads to different environments or cultures, such as McDonald's menu changes in different countries.
• 🚧 Barriers to diffusion can include cultural, political, geographic, and economic factors that restrict the spread of cultural traits.
• 🌐 Technological advancements have reduced the impact of physical barriers on diffusion, making it easier to connect with people worldwide.

Q & A

What is diffusion in the context of geography?

Diffusion is the spread of a cultural element, item, group of people, or phenomenon from one place to another.

What is the origin of a cultural element or group of people known as?

The origin of a cultural element or group of people is known as the 'hearth'.

How does relocation diffusion differ from expansion diffusion?

Relocation diffusion involves the physical movement of a culture or group of people without new individuals taking on the trait, whereas expansion diffusion sees the addition of more people practicing or taking on the cultural trait.

What is an example of relocation diffusion mentioned in the script?

The Amish people, who originated in Europe and migrated to the United States around the 1700s to escape persecution, is an example of relocation diffusion.

What are the different types of expansion diffusion?

The different types of expansion diffusion are hierarchical diffusion, contagious diffusion, and stimulus diffusion.

How does hierarchical diffusion typically occur?

Hierarchical diffusion often happens through systems, typically from some sort of power, often spreading from a top-down approach.

What is reverse hierarchical diffusion?

Reverse hierarchical diffusion occurs when a trait starts in a smaller community and spreads to a larger community.

What is contagious diffusion and how does it differ from hierarchical diffusion?

Contagious diffusion has little to no barriers, allowing the trait to expand away from the hearth in all directions, unlike hierarchical diffusion which spreads through a system of structures.

What is stimulus diffusion and how does it differ from other types of diffusion?

Stimulus diffusion involves the trait changing as it diffuses, but the underlying concept of the trait remains the same.

What factors can prevent or slow down diffusion?

Cultural barriers, political barriers, geographic barriers, and economic barriers can prevent or slow down diffusion.

How has technology impacted the barriers to diffusion?

Technological advancements have made physical barriers less of an obstacle for diffusion due to the internet, cheaper cell phones, and computers, making it easier to connect with people around the world.

What is the role of the 'hearth' in the process of diffusion?

The 'hearth' is the origin point of a cultural element or group of people. It often remains strong in expansion diffusion but can weaken and potentially die off in relocation diffusion as more people leave.