The process by which aspects of one culture or subculture spread and/or are incorporated into another is referred to as
a. Acculturation b. Cultural isolation c. Cultural diffusion d. Technological advance
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is c. Cultural diffusion.
Cultural diffusion refers to the process by which elements of one culture or subculture spread to and become incorporated into another. This can include ideas, practices, technologies, customs, languages, and beliefs. Cultural diffusion occurs through various mechanisms, such as migration, trade, war, or even through the influence of media and technology. For instance, as people move across borders, they bring their cultural practices with them, which can then influence the local culture they encounter. Similarly, globalization has accelerated the spread of cultural elements from one part of the world to another, such as the global popularity of food items like pizza or sushi.
One of the most significant ways in which cultural diffusion has occurred throughout history is through trade. The Silk Road, for example, was not only a route for the exchange of goods like silk and spices but also facilitated the exchange of ideas and cultural practices between the East and the West. Similarly, during the age of exploration, European colonization led to the diffusion of European languages, religions, and technologies around the world.
Acculturation, on the other hand, involves a process where one culture adopts aspects of another, but this often involves a power imbalance or one culture being assimilated into the dominant culture. It’s more about adaptation and change within a specific cultural group due to contact with another culture.
Cultural isolation refers to a situation where a group deliberately isolates itself from external influences, reducing cultural exchange.
Technological advance focuses on the development and improvement of technology, which can be part of cultural diffusion but does not describe the broader spread of cultural practices or elements.