Types of Diffusion Flashcards

Study Notes

Types of Diffusion

Relocation diffusion involves the transfer of ideas through the physical movement of individuals from one location to another.
An example of relocation diffusion is when people migrate to new areas, bringing their own cultural practices and beliefs along with them.

Expansion Diffusion

Expansion diffusion refers to the growth of an idea or feature as it spreads from one place to another, following a snowball effect.
This diffusion can occur through three main processes: hierarchical diffusion, contagious diffusion, and stimulus diffusion.

Contagious Diffusion

Contagious diffusion is characterized by rapid and extensive diffusion of a characteristic throughout a population, often leading to widespread adoption.
Common examples include the spread of diseases like influenza and the viral dissemination of online videos.

Hierarchical Diffusion

Hierarchical diffusion involves the transmission of ideas or trends from influential figures or nodes of authority to other individuals and locations.
Fashion trends often exemplify this process, as styles originating in fashion capitals like Milan, Paris, and New York are adopted by celebrities and subsequently by the general public.

Stimulus Diffusion

Stimulus diffusion occurs when an underlying principle or concept spreads, but the specific characteristic may not be adopted fully.
An example is McDonald's adaptation in India, where the traditional beef burger is replaced with a vegetarian option to align with local dietary preferences.

Description

This set of flashcards explores the various types of diffusion, including relocation and expansion diffusion. Learn through definitions and examples that illustrate how ideas and features spread among people and places. Perfect for students studying geography or sociology.