Which situation best illustrates cultural diffusion?
A. A Chinese government official orders stricter censorship of the Internet.
B. A Mexican corporation grows to become one of the largest in the world.
C. A hit song in England becomes popular throughout northern Africa.
D. A popular Greek restaurant opens a new location a few miles away
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is C. A hit song in England becomes popular throughout northern Africa.
Explanation:
Cultural diffusion refers to the spread of cultural beliefs, practices, ideas, and customs from one society to another. It occurs when cultural elements such as music, food, language, religion, and traditions move across geographical and social boundaries, influencing other cultures in the process.
Option C, “A hit song in England becomes popular throughout northern Africa,” best illustrates cultural diffusion. Music, as a cultural element, is a prime example of how cultural practices can spread beyond their place of origin. The song in this scenario originated in England, a different cultural context, but through exposure and adoption, it became popular in northern Africa, which represents the spread of an idea (in this case, music) from one region to another. This is a clear instance of cultural diffusion, as the song is being embraced and integrated into a new cultural setting.
Let’s review why the other options are not examples of cultural diffusion:
- A. A Chinese government official orders stricter censorship of the Internet. This example does not demonstrate cultural diffusion. It describes a governmental policy related to control and censorship, not the spread of culture or ideas between different societies.
- B. A Mexican corporation grows to become one of the largest in the world. While this scenario may involve global business expansion, it doesn’t directly involve the spread of cultural elements or practices. It’s more about economic growth and corporate success than cultural exchange.
- D. A popular Greek restaurant opens a new location a few miles away. While this could be seen as a business expansion, it is a local phenomenon rather than a global diffusion of culture. The restaurant may share Greek culinary traditions, but the situation described does not involve the widespread spread of cultural practices.
In conclusion, C is the best example of cultural diffusion because it highlights the global spread of a cultural phenomenon (a hit song) from one culture (England) to another (northern Africa).