Final answer:
Cultural diffusion is the process by which cultural traits spread from one society to another, influenced by factors like globalization, resulting in either cultural convergence or divergence. It is a key aspect of cultural transmission, allowing cultures to evolve and adapt through external interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea that cultural characteristics result from a spread of cultural attributes from one society to another is known as cultural diffusion. This process includes the exchange and integration of cultural traits such as values, beliefs, and social norms between distinct cultures. Through mechanisms like migration, trade, and the influence of mass media, cultural elements like food, fashion, technology, and ideologies travel from one culture to others, leading to cultural changes and convergence.
Globalization is an essential driver of cultural diffusion, facilitating the spread of goods, ideas, and practices. This spread can influence political and social systems, sometimes leading to cultural convergence where different cultures adopt similar traits. However, cultural diffusion can also result in divergence when cultures selectively embrace different elements or when local customs resist external influences. This dynamic interplay shapes the cultural identity and societal evolution, indicating that cultural changes are not merely inherited but are actively constructed through ongoing human interactions.
Cultural transmission is instrumental in the preservation of culture from one generation to another, yet it is also the channel through which innovation and cultural diffusion occur. By studying other cultures, we gain a better understanding of our own, and the process of cultural diffusion ultimately contributes to the rich diversity of cultural landscapes around the world.