Concepts of cultural diffusion
used to explain rock ’n’ roll.
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Culture hearths
Diffusion modes
Carriers
Barriers
Culture change
Culture hearths are hotbeds for culture
trait development.
.
Mayan
Inca
A culture hearth is a crossroads where
ideas are exchanged and culture traits
developed.
Diffusion moves culture traits from
hearths to other places.
Triangle Trade
Over time, some culture hearths may decline
as new ones ascend.
Diffusion modes
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Relocation diffusion
Expansion diffusion
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Hierarchical
Contagious
Relocation diffusion occurs when
people move to a new location and do
not return.
Music was one
African culture
trait to survive
the slave trade.
Expansion diffusion moves traits to a
new place where they are introduced to
new people and expanded.
Chicago Blues
The Blues
Mississippi Delta
Blues
Expansion diffusion can be
hierarchical and move from higher to
lower ranked places.
Paris
New York City
Diffusion of fashion
Minneapolis/St. Paul
Expansion diffusion can be contagious
as it spreads from a central point.
New York City
Music diffusion
Nashville - WLAC
Memphis, Tenn.
Carriers
Carriers move culture traits.
Human migration, trade and travel
have been the most common carriers.
Trade
45 rpm records
Transistor radio
33 1/3 rpm records
8 Track Tape
Technological advances
impact the scope and
speed of diffusion.
Internet downloads
mp3 players
CD’s
Cassette tapes
Networking sites
Barriers block diffusion.
Geographic barriers
Cultural barriers
Physical features
Geographic barriers stop or slow down
cultural diffusion.
Distance and accessibility: “Backwoods is backwards.”
Cultural barriers stop or alter
diffused culture traits.
Religious
Political
Cultural barriers stop or alter
diffused culture traits.
Social
Culture change takes place when traits
are adopted, adapted or imposed.
Saudi Arabia
China
Korea