Divergence, convergence & Diffusion

Cultural Hearth Culture reflects how a group of people live their lives, including values, religious practices, beliefs, art, customs, food, language and social interaction. Cultural Hearths- cultures that have origins in one of a few areas, the main locations from which the most dominant cultural ideas like religion, use of tools, and development of agriculture have spread. 7 Ancient Cultural Hearths: The Nile River Valley The Indus River Valley The Wei-Huang Valley The Ganges River Valley Mesopotamia Mesoamerica West Africa

Cultural Boundaries Borders that run along differences in ethnicities, languages, religions, etc. People of the same group tend to cluster together, especially when they share common customs and languages. Canada was founded by the French, but it is now a British Commonwealth. Quebec is a city (and the region surrounding it) where French is the official language.

Cultural Diffusion The spread of activities from one group to another, which increases with advances in communication, transportation, and technology. Columbian Exchange- 1492 CE; facilitated introduction of new products between European nations and Native American tribes. European Ideas: Roman Catholicism, the Spanish language, and the extension of the Spanish government & policies to the new territory Native American Traditions: cultivation of potatoes, corn, tomatoes, and chocolate; the introduction to Europe increased health & standard of living. Opened the Americas up to worldwide trade, but also introduced communicable diseases (smallpox) that decimated Native Americans

Cultural Diffusion In the 20th century, American cultural traits such as music, movies, clothing, and the use of English spread to every continent. American fast-food restaurants have grown in popularity because they find innovative ways to make their food appeal to international consumers. McDonald’s serves 68 million people DAILY in 119 countries. Some of their international menu items include: Chicken & Fish Mac (Egypt)- Big Macs with beef patties replaced because Muslim majority does not eat beef Rice Fantastic (Hong Kong)- burgers with rice patties instead of bread buns because rice is a major crop in China McSpicy Paneer Burger (India)- Fried patty of lemon-flavored cheese dough replaces meat because majority of Indians are vegetarians

Cultural diffusion There can also be negative effects of diffusion: the spread of communicable diseases Ebola, Smallpox, & Bird Flu New diseases emerge because of the faster rate of diffusion People travel more often to different areas Mass production of the global food supply and distribution of food contributes to spread of food- borne bacteria, like e.coli Pandemic- an epidemic that spreads over wide geographic areas

Cultural Convergence Two or more cultures come into contact and become more similar to each other through exposure to traditions, languages, customs, and practices. Spread of Democratic Ideas: Post-WWII, many countries were under the control of communist regimes and military dictatorships Citizens were not allowed to participate in their government. After Cold War, democratic governments spread to new regions of the world, including the Philippines, Argentina, and Haiti. Dictators in Somalia, Liberia, and Ethiopia were removed from power Communist-controlled Soviet Union split apart. The transition from political oppression to free elections and governments has not been without flaws, but there is strong support for democracy as the best form of government among most of the citizens.

Cultural Convergence New Technologies: increases contact across cultural regions and facilitates exchange of ideas. At one time in history, different parts of the world did not even know about each other’s existence. There were very few forms of communication: Travel over land by horse (weeks or months) Travel by Ship (months or years!) Today, people in every cultural region are familiar with phones, televisions, computers, and the Internet. Link people closer together in a shorter amount of time than at any other point in history.

Cultural Convergence Competitive Team Sports: cable television, space satellites and the Internet allows people to follow sports taking place in every part of the world. World Cup or the Olympics-when teams from different countries come together to compete, cultural convergence becomes even more evident. Sporting events appeal to a wide range of audiences. Rules of the game often take precedence over individual differences Sports provides universal language that can bridge cultural gaps, resolve conflicts, and bring greater understanding between people of different backgrounds and nationalities.

Cultural divergence When two or more cultures come into contact with each other, but remain separate due to major dissimilarities. Sahara Desert: a huge physical barrier that limited contact between tribes on African continent, who developed their own culture, language, and traditions. North Africa was colonized by various kingdoms who found its location on the Mediterranean coast within reach. Today, North Africans are mostly of Arab descent and the dominant religion is Islam, traits that are consistent with the neighboring cultural region of the Middle East. Sub-Saharan Africa has different climates and geographic features that have contributed to the continued separation of ethnic groups, or tribes. Many Sub-Saharan African groups have been subject to foreign influences through the Slave Trade and colonization, there is still evidence of their tribal traditions being practiced to this day.

Cultural divergence Amish in Pennsylvania: traditionalist Christian group who immigrated to North America in the early 18th century. Despite all the changes that have evolved in society, they still live, dress, and work the same way. They speak a form of German (Pennsylvania Dutch) distinct to their region Wear homemade clothing Follow a strict interpretation of their religious beliefs. Technology: Many Amish communities have running water and electricity to serve health and sanitation needs, but their use of modern technology, especially for recreation, is limited. How much technology is allowed varies by community A major belief is that hard work brings you closer to God; engage in manual labor to provide a living, such as farming, construction, or woodworking. The outside world introduces destructive influences, so they live in enclosed communities where non-believers are not allowed.

Globalization Interaction among the people, companies, and governments of different nations, driven by international trade and investment and aided by information technology Isolation, when a country does not understand or interact with others, can cause slow development or changes Papua New Guinea North Korea

trade NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)- meant to encourage trade between US, Canada, and Mexico Eliminates certain taxes and trade barriers while encouraging productivity and investment within the three countries Skilled jobs have shifted between the three countries, mostly to Mexico Benefits of investment mostly goes to US NAFTA was rewritten and renegotiated as United States-Mexico-Canada Act (USMCA)

How does this fit in my project? Culture is often referred to as a “blueprint for living” because it includes everything that contributes to society’s development Folk tales and songs help people communicate expected behavior and maintain cultural identity How has your story changed and taken on new characteristics with each new area it interacts with?