logo-type-white

AP® Human Geography

Concentric zone model: ap® human geography crash course review.

  • The Albert Team
  • Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

Concentric Zone Model - AP® Human Geography Crash Course Review

Introduction

Today, we’ll cover the Concentric Zone Model. When we talk about different groups of people and different parts of town as being business districts, residential districts or even working class districts, most people don’t think of them as concentric zones. Concentric zones are a model of the way that different social groups are arranged within a city, and a general representation is found in nearly all cities. There are reasons for this of course, and we’ll talk about the reasons that certain parts of a community are located within specific zones and how these zones tend to be created throughout the course of this AP® Human geography study guide .

What is the Concentric Zone Model?

Have you ever really looked around your neighborhood and thought about it? Most people don’t think about it a lot, but they do have different terms for different parts of the neighborhood. For example, downtown is the business area or on the ‘outskirts of town’ might be the ‘suburbs.’ These terms that we use are just the more common method of using a concentric zone model. But of course, for the purposes of the AP® exam , you will likely need a more direct understanding.

According to the concentric zone model, there are five different ‘zones’ in any given city. The first zone, the one at the very center of everything, is the central business district. Next, would be the zone of transition, then the working class residential district, the upper-class residential district and the commuter zone. The entire theory was created by a sociologist named Ernest Burgess in 1923, as a method of describing the way that different people come to exist within specific regions.

The Concentric Zones

Burgess started his research with the city of Chicago, a large city that fit very well with his view of how cities are developed. As the first sociologist to consider why specific social groups locate themselves within certain regions, he developed this theory as a way to explain it. His theory considers a bulls-eye pattern that each city is made from and which represents different groups of people (as we mentioned) who reside in each of those locations. It also considers somewhat why these individuals are located there and what each region is representative of.

The Zone of Transition

This is the first zone that appears once we leave the central business district, this zone was considered one with a mixture of residential buildings and commercial businesses. As a result, it’s somewhat of a transition area where you never really know what to expect. It’s also the region where the most people live and, as a result, it tends to have more rental properties, more poverty and higher crime rates. Not only that but it also tends to have higher rates of immigrant groups.

The Working Class Residential District

The Working Class Residential District is the one that the majority of people live in because it’s a blue-collar, working class neighborhood. These are the people you normally think of because they have single family homes and a large group of people as well. It’s smaller than the last zone we talked about, but it’s the one that most of us are part of, at least in the beginning of our careers. This is where most of the people don’t have a lot of education, but they could be working on getting additional education. Their jobs just tend to not use higher level education or degrees.

The Educated Residential District

As you start moving up the ladder, you may find more people from the Educated Residential District. These are the people who have more education and tend to have higher level degrees. Because of that they also have a little better living standard. These are the people who live in a larger house and have bigger yards at the same time. Because they’ve got a little more money, their standard of living is higher, and they’re definitely going to have more ability to do the things they want. Here we’re in the fourth ring of the model itself, and as you get higher education and jobs, this could be where you live too.

The Commuter Zone

Here you’re going to have the rich people in town. These are the people you see mostly with big beautiful homes. The ones that you probably wish you could afford and the giant yards with every luxury. These are people who live on the outskirts of basically everything. They’re far away from the city center but usually they have jobs that are close to the city. Because they have more money though they are able to commute to those areas when they need to. It’s all because they have more money that they choose to commute more. There are few people in this region because most people aren’t able to afford the lifestyle.

The Problems with the Concentric Zone Model

Most of the larger cities do have this type of setup, but it really doesn’t apply to smaller cities. The truth is even with some larger cities this isn’t even true anymore (even though it may have been in the 1920’s when it started). That’s because if we look at larger cities, we see that this is the way they were originally created, but over time there are a whole lot of things that change about how cities are represented. The modern method of establishing or even changing cities around is really changing a whole lot for most people, especially when it comes to population density.

One of the reasons that affect concentric zone model is that landscapes tend to change now where they didn’t a long time ago. Because of this, people move around, and they tend to locate in different regions. Moreover, they tend to relocate into a different area as the landscape changes. Another reason is that most businesses are moving around, and many of them are located in other parts of the city rather than just the center. We don’t have to go to just one specific area of a city to find what we want now. What’s even more important is that business districts are starting to branch out and spread out roots, even if they do still have a stronger basis at the town centers.

Things like gentrification, regeneration and development also change the way that richer people live too. A lot of people with more money aren’t staying in the outer regions of the city either. A lot of bigger buildings and homes are now being built in areas that are actually closer to the city center, which means different zones are changing a lot. People who we would consider ‘commuters’ because of their abilities and money are actually moving into the cities, and that changes the way the zones really work.

Concentric Zones and Population Density

Of course, concentric zones have a lot to do with the density of population in specific areas. Different zones have different population densities. As you move away from the center zones the population gets smaller. Commuter zones are a lot smaller than Working Class Residential zones because there are a lot more people who tend to have lower level degrees and education than people who are higher level. This happens with all the zones that are smaller in shape because the closer to the city center the more it’s assumed people will live there, and of course, fewer people have a lot of wealth to spend on their housing.

The Concentric Zone Model on the AP® Human Geography Exam

When taking the AP® Human Geography exam , you may be required to look at maps of the Concentric Zone Model to identify different layers or rings of the model with their corresponding titles. You will have to consider the layout of the rings and remember that the model is designed as a bulls-eye where the smaller rings are in the center, but the smaller rings also represent the highest level of population density.

Some questions related to the Concentric Zone Model may also relate to understanding of who would live in most areas or what examples may be of certain density areas. For example, looking at a series of definitions related to different types of people you should be able to understand which zone they would represent or live in.

Given an American suburb with beautiful open spaces and large land, a metropolitan area with apartments located above the shops or a group of people who live in nice homes outside the city proper but still within the main area, which zone would the people live in

The right answer for the above would be: Commuter Zone.

Overall, you have to understand different people that make up each of the zones within the model. You should also ensure that you understand the order of the zones and how their layout relates to population density. In general, the larger the circle, the fewer the people live there and the better the living standard. Hopefully, this AP® Human Geography study guide has helped you understand this model more clearly, including when and by whom it was invented and exactly what the zones really mean.

Looking for AP® Human Geography practice?

Check out our other articles on AP Human Geography .

You can also find thousands of practice questions on Albert.io. Albert.io lets you customize your learning experience to target practice where you need the most help. We’ll give you challenging practice questions to help you achieve mastery in AP® Human Geography.

Start practicing here .

Are you a teacher or administrator interested in boosting AP® Human Geography student outcomes?

Learn more about our school licenses here .

Interested in a school license?​

Popular posts.

AP® Physics I score calculator

AP® Score Calculators

Simulate how different MCQ and FRQ scores translate into AP® scores

convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

AP® Review Guides

The ultimate review guides for AP® subjects to help you plan and structure your prep.

convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

Core Subject Review Guides

Review the most important topics in Physics and Algebra 1 .

convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

SAT® Score Calculator

See how scores on each section impacts your overall SAT® score

convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

ACT® Score Calculator

See how scores on each section impacts your overall ACT® score

convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

Grammar Review Hub

Comprehensive review of grammar skills

convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

AP® Posters

Download updated posters summarizing the main topics and structure for each AP® exam.

helpful professor logo

Cultural Convergence: 10 Examples and Definition

Cultural Convergence: 10 Examples and Definition

Gregory Paul C. (MA)

Gregory Paul C. is a licensed social studies educator, and has been teaching the social sciences in some capacity for 13 years. He currently works at university in an international liberal arts department teaching cross-cultural studies in the Chuugoku Region of Japan. Additionally, he manages semester study abroad programs for Japanese students, and prepares them for the challenges they may face living in various countries short term.

Learn about our Editorial Process

Cultural Convergence: 10 Examples and Definition

Chris Drew (PhD)

This article was peer-reviewed and edited by Chris Drew (PhD). The review process on Helpful Professor involves having a PhD level expert fact check, edit, and contribute to articles. Reviewers ensure all content reflects expert academic consensus and is backed up with reference to academic studies. Dr. Drew has published over 20 academic articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education and holds a PhD in Education from ACU.

convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

Cultural convergence is the process by which two or more cultures begin to blend together, resulting in the sharing of values, beliefs, customs, and behaviors.

It can occur as a result of globalization, modern advances in technology, through cultural intermarriage, or environmental and territorial changes to a group of people’s region or country.

Examples of cultural convergence include global blending of music preferences, standardization of sports rules for international sporting events, and blending of religious beliefs.

Cultural Convergence Definition

Convergence theory supports that the more interaction two countries have each other, the higher the potential that their similarities or shared interests will increase.

Simply put, the more that cultures interact,the more their ideologies, entertainment, and way of thinking will start to reflect each other.

The internet, social media, and other technological advancements have enabled people around the world to become less disconnected, and more like a global village, where people of all cultures and backgrounds are able to freely interact and exchange ideas.

This has had a profound impact on our lives and has changed the way we interact, consume, produce, and even think.

Speaking on the importance of cultural convergence, and similarly globalization, Marber (2009) writes:

“ If the world is going to continue to grow sustainably and pull the remaining poor out of deprivation, we must begin to recognize the complex interactions and interconnections that constitute the blur- ring new millennium—one in which countries are clearly separate yet inexorably bound in a global system at the same time ” (p.xv).

Examples of Cultural Convergence

  • Music – The rise of the K-pop industry, the global popularity of hip-hop/rap music, and the “viral meme song” Tik-Tok subculture exemplify cultural convergence on a global scale.
  • Movies and Entertainment – Thanks to worldwide streaming media platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, movies and television series from many different countries are able to reach a global audience instantly.
  • Cuisine: Cuisine from different countries and cultures have become increasingly popular in in all corners of the world. In most major cities around the world, you can find Japanese, Indian, Korean, Chinese, or any other variety of world cuisine.
  • Education: International, and multicultural “English” schools as a sought-after alternative in some Asian/Southeast Asian countries.
  • Language: World languages and language learning tools have become increasingly accessible to anyone with internet access, this has promoted both cross-cultural communication and understanding.
  • Mobility and Cultural Convergence : When one population of people move or emigrate to another area, creating a blend of cultures.  
  • Syncretism ( Religion ) : During specific periods of history different religions have converged and cooperated despite their difference in beliefs. In the 21st century people from all different religious beliefs and backgrounds work together, maintain deep friendships and relationships, and co-exist peacefully with one another.
  • News Media and Journalism: Technology has allowed us to connect with people from all over the world, creating a global network of ideas and opinions; this is especially the case in how the news and media reach their audience.
  • Literature: Books are translated into other languages, and in turn, it allows readers from all over the world to get a better understanding of a culture, traditions, and way of thinking.
  • Sports: Sports are a global phenomenon. Global Sporting events like the Olympics and the World Cup are examples of cultural convergence through competition.
  • Glocalization : A phenomenon that occurs when globalized culture is embraced but adapted for a local audience.
  • McDonaldization: The spread of standardized approaches to business, education, and other sectors through the use of economic rationalization .

Cultural Convergence Case Studies

The cultural convergence that has occurred in music has been largely due to the instant access to music that technology provides.

This cultural convergence has opened up a wide range of possibilities for musicians and music fans alike.

Artists are now able to collaborate with other musicians from different countries, and fans can easily access music from all corners of the globe. In this way, globalization has made music more accessible and more diverse than ever before.

Hong & Dal (2021) explain what happened in the case of Korean music throughout the 1970`s. As a result of the exposure to Anglo-American music, Korean popular music went through phases that ranged from consumption, to copying, to finally creating unique Korean versions of many popular songs.

For example, when people from Korea were exposed to acoustic folk music from US and UK musicians like Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and James Taylor in the 60s and 70s, a few Korean musicians such as CHO Young-nam, SONG Chang-sik and YOON Hyung- joo began to cover these songs with Korean lyrics.

During this process, other artists started to make their own acoustic folk music that was reflective of Korean culture. They borrowed some elements of American music, and created a new blended genre with Korean lyrics and deeper meaning (pp. 81-84).

2. Education

Cultural convergence in education is an important aspect of life in Asia today.

To meet the needs of a globalized economy, a large number of educational institutions (from elementary to the tertiary level) offer specialized courses with many focusing on the development of cultural competency, specifically in English lingua franca.

Additionally, the rise of the internet and social media has enabled students to access educational materials from universities and organizations all over the world, resulting in the sharing of learning methods and ideas.

Education research analyst from Thailand, Padunchewit (2014), says:

“…global competence is simply having an open mind while actively seeking to understand cultural norms and expectations of others and leveraging this knowledge to become adept at interacting, communicating and working effectively outside one’s environment” (p. 37).

He feels that international schools across Asia are an emerging concept that give students an education helping them understand the concept of global citizenship, multiculturalism , and global-mindedness (pp. 33-34).

3. Mobility and Cultural Convergence

Mobility has been a part of human history since the dawn of time. People have been migrating from one place to another for thousands of years, seeking out new opportunities and better lives.

Mobility can also have a major impact on the way cultures interact and merge. This can often have a positive effect on our societies, as it helps to break down barriers and foster a sense of cross-cultural understanding.

Nan (2021) refers to the concept of cultural convergence through mobility in the context of “immigrant cities”.

He uses the example of the Northwestern Chinese city, Shenzhen. He states “Today, Shenzhen’s lifestyle, values, and cultural characteristics are fundamentally different from traditional local culture because the immigration culture gives society a new color and identity”(p. 67).

The influx of other non-Chinese and Chinese people from various regions in the 1980’s, created substantial changes to the way language was spoken (both Mandarin and Cantonese), to the local cuisine, and to culture and entertainment (pp. 66-69).

4. Religion

M ixing of Buddhist and Hindu beliefs in India, or the adoption of Christianity in South Korea or in small demographics within Japan are examples of cultural convergence via religion .

In the 21st century, globalization has also led to greater exposure to different faiths, and opened avenues of learning about them through multi-lingual religious texts.

History also provides a window into convergence, showing not only how religious conflict has caused shifts in culture, but how cooperation has benefitted mutual understanding and peace.

Laskier and Lev (2011) explore this theme in a book compilation titled “The Convergence of Judaism and Islam: Religious, Scientific, and Cultural Dimensions”.

Through this book, various writers show the mutual cultural and social cooperation between Judaism and Islam. The book gives examples of how during an 800-year time-frame (roughly 500-1300) a a period of “productive Jewish-Arab symbiosis” existed.

Through this duration, Muslim faith and Arab nationalism were shaped by Jewish impact in the earlier part, while traditional Judaism was finally refined by Muslim-Arab influence in the later half (pp. 11-13).

5. News Media and Journalism

N ews media and the world of journalism have undergone a cultural convergence over the past decade.

Social media has enabled news to be shared faster and more widely than ever before, and it has given people the power to become part of the news-making process.

Journalists no longer have sole control over the news that is published, as readers and their threaded comments are now a part of the process.

This convergence has also changed the way news is delivered, as news outlets switch to digital formats to reach larger audiences.

Jenkins (2006) refers to media as entire “culture systems”, and technology as the “delivery system” for these culture systems.

He claims that media convergence is more than just a social shift, convergence “alters the logic by which media industries operate and by which media consumers process news and entertainment”(p. 16).

The hand-held, multi-functional, and interactive cell phone is used as the prime example of the ultimate “delivery system” for culture systems.

Cultural Convergence vs Cultural Divergence

There are also instances in which cultures diverge . This is often a result of ruptures in communication, emergent religious divides, wars, and other events that can disrupt cultural continuity. We call this cultural divergence .

For example, North Korea and South Korea were, prior to the Korean civil war, were a relatively united culture. But after the war, communication divides and separate political and economic systems saw the cultures diverging.

Similarly, diaspora (cultural groups who migrate from their homelands) may develop their own unique cultures that are separate from the cultures in their homelands.

The process by which different cultures adopt similar characteristics, ideas, or practices, often as a result of increased interaction, communication, or globalization (Kobayashi, 2019).The phenomenon whereby cultures develop distinct characteristics, practices, and beliefs due to various factors such as geographical isolation, historical events, or social and political differences (Rubenstein & Healy, 2014).
Results in the blending of cultural elements, leading to shared values, practices, and ideas (Jenkins, 2006).Leads to unique cultural characteristics, customs, and beliefs that set individual cultures apart (Kobayashi, 2019).
Facilitates global understanding and interconnectedness by creating common ground between cultures (Rubenstein & Healy, 2014).Highlights the importance of preserving cultural diversity and respecting the unique aspects of individual cultures.
Can result in the erosion of cultural identity, overshadowing of local customs, and concerns about cultural imperialism.May lead to misunderstandings, prejudice, and conflicts between different cultural groups.
Encourages cross-cultural communication, exchange of ideas, and fosters global cooperation (Jenkins, 2006).Preserves the uniqueness and diversity of human cultures, contributing to a rich and varied global cultural landscape (Rubenstein & Healy, 2014).

Berry, Heather, et al. “Is There Convergence Across Countries? A Spatial Approach.” Journal of International Business Studies , vol. 45, no. 4, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Feb. 2014, pp. 387–404. https://doi.org/10.1057/jibs.2013.72.

Hay, J., & Couldry, N. (2011). Re-thinking convergence/culture.  Cultural Studies ,  25 (4–5), 473–486.  https://doi.org/10.1080/09502386.2011.600527

Hong, S.K., & Dal Y.J. (2021). Transnational Convergence of East Asian Pop Culture (Routledge Research in Digital Media and Culture in Asia) . 1st ed., Routledge.

Jenkins, H. (2006).  Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide . NYU Press.

Laskier, M. M., & Lev, Y. (2011b).  The Convergence of Judaism and Islam: Religious, Scientific, and Cultural Dimensions  (1st ed.). University Press of Florida.

Marber, P. (2009).  Seeing the Elephant: Understanding Globalization from Trunk to Tail  (1st ed.). Wiley.

Nan, H. (2021). Mobility and Cultural Convergence in the Context of Modernity—A Case Study of the Immigrant City: Shenzhen. International Journal of Frontiers in Sociology ,  3 (19).  https://doi.org/10.25236/ijfs.2021.031913

Padunchewit, J. (2014) “Cultural Convergence Amidst Diversity: The Role of Strategic Communication in the Promotion of Intercultural Literacy at the American School of Bangkok, Thailand.” NIDA Case Research Journal , Vol. 6, No. 1, pp. 33–80

Gregory

  • Gregory Paul C. (MA) #molongui-disabled-link Social Penetration Theory: Examples, Phases, Criticism
  • Gregory Paul C. (MA) #molongui-disabled-link Upper Middle-Class Lifestyles: 10 Defining Features
  • Gregory Paul C. (MA) #molongui-disabled-link Arousal Theory of Motivation: Definition & Examples
  • Gregory Paul C. (MA) #molongui-disabled-link Theory of Mind: Examples and Definition

Chris

  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 23 Achieved Status Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 15 Ableism Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 25 Defense Mechanisms Examples
  • Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 15 Theory of Planned Behavior Examples

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Cultural Convergence in Geography: Exploring the Confluence of Cultures

  • by Brandon Thompson
  • October 19, 2023

Welcome to our blog post on the fascinating concept of cultural convergence in geography! In this age of globalization, the world seems to be getting smaller, and cultural boundaries are becoming more fluid. It is increasingly important to understand how different cultures interact with one another, and that’s where cultural convergence comes into play.

Cultural convergence refers to the blending and coming together of various cultural aspects from different parts of the world. Over time, cultural convergence has been shaped by factors such as technological advancements , migration, trade, and communication. This convergence can lead to the exchange of ideas, traditions, languages, and even values among different societies .

In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of cultural convergence, its relationship with globalization, and how it impacts our world today. We will explore the contrast between cultural convergence and cultural divergence, using real-life examples to illustrate these concepts. So, join us on this journey as we uncover the dynamic nature of cultures and the forces that shape them in the 21st century!

What is cultural convergence in geography?

What is cultural convergence in geography?

Cultural convergence in geography refers to the process through which different cultures become similar or start to share common traits, ideas, and practices. It is like a cultural potluck party where each culture brings its unique dish, and over time, flavors blend, new recipes are born, and everyone ends up with a plate full of delightful surprises.

Understanding cultural convergence

Cultural convergence occurs as a result of various factors, such as globalization, advances in technology, improved transportation systems, and the interconnectedness of societies. It’s like a giant game of cultural tag, where ideas, beliefs, and customs get passed around and spread like wildfire.

Blend it like Beckham

Think about it this way: cultural convergence is like the Spice Girls’ hit song “Wannabe” spreading across the world. It doesn’t matter if you’re in New York or Tokyo, chances are you can catch people chanting “I’ll tell you what I want, what I really, really want!” That’s the power of cultural convergence – it brings people together through shared experiences, whether it’s music, fashion, or even a love for cheesy pop songs.

From sushi to burgers

Cultural convergence can be observed in our daily lives. Just take a look at the food we eat. Sushi bars in the heart of Texas? Absolutely! Hamburgers in the bustling streets of Tokyo? You betcha! These culinary fusions are living proof of cultural convergence in action. Our taste buds have become the ultimate cultural travelers, embracing diverse flavors from all corners of the globe.

The language of convergence

Language is another area where cultural convergence leaves its mark. English, once confined to its British and American roots, has spread its linguistic wings and become a global language. Thanks to movies, music, and the internet, English has become the lingua franca of the modern world. It’s like a linguistic potluck, where English words and phrases get mixed and matched with other languages, creating a linguistic feast that leaves even the strictest grammarian salivating.

The cultural melting pot

The United States, often referred to as a melting pot of cultures, exemplifies the concept of cultural convergence. People from every corner of the Earth have come together to form a vibrant tapestry of traditions, beliefs, and customs. From Chinese New Year parades in New York City to Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Los Angeles, the melting pot is alive and thriving.

Embracing diversity

Cultural convergence is not about assimilating into one homogeneous culture; it’s about celebrating diversity while finding common ground. It’s like a delicious buffet where you can try a bit of everything and appreciate the flavors of different cultures without losing your own identity. Embracing cultural convergence means being open-minded, curious, and willing to learn from one another.

In conclusion

Cultural convergence in geography is a fascinating process that brings cultures closer together, creating a world that is interconnected and enriched by the diversity of its people. So let’s embrace cultural convergence like a warm hug from a long-lost friend, and celebrate the beautiful tapestry of cultures that make our world so vibrant and alive.

What is cultural convergence in geography?

FAQ: What is Cultural Convergence in Geography?

In today’s globalized world, cultural convergence plays a significant role in shaping our societies. Understanding this concept is crucial when examining the interactions between different cultures and their impacts on geography. In this FAQ-style guide, we’ll answer some common questions about cultural convergence, explore its meaning, and provide examples to help you grasp its significance.

What is Cultural Convergence in AP Human Geography

Cultural convergence in AP Human Geography refers to the process by which different cultures blend together, adopting similar characteristics and practices. It occurs when cultural elements, such as ideas, beliefs, customs, or technologies, spread and influence other cultures through interactions, migration, trade, or media.

How Does Culture Converge or Diverge Over Time

Cultural convergence occurs when cultures embrace and adopt elements from other cultures, leading to a blending of practices and beliefs. This can happen through various channels, such as international trade, migration, technological advancements, or the influence of media. On the other hand, cultural divergence takes place when cultures develop unique characteristics and practices, resulting in distinct cultural identities.

What is Cultural Divergence in Geography

Cultural divergence in geography refers to the process by which cultures differentiate themselves from each other over time. It is the opposite of cultural convergence, as cultures diverge and develop unique customs, traditions, and belief systems. Cultural divergence may arise due to geographical barriers, political isolation, or the desire to preserve cultural heritage.

What is the Difference Between Convergence and Divergence in Globalization

In the context of globalization, convergence refers to the blending and harmonization of cultural practices, resulting in increased similarities among cultures. Divergence, on the other hand, highlights the preservation and development of unique cultural identities within globalization, emphasizing the differences between cultures.

What is Culture? Cultural Diffusion? Cultural Convergence? Cultural Divergence

  • Culture : Culture is the collective knowledge, beliefs, customs, arts, and social institutions of a particular group or society.
  • Cultural Diffusion : Cultural diffusion is the spread of cultural elements, such as ideas, practices, or technologies, from one society to another.
  • Cultural Convergence : Cultural convergence is the assimilation or blending of cultural elements from different societies, resulting in increased similarities.
  • Cultural Divergence : Cultural divergence is the process by which cultures differentiate themselves, developing unique characteristics and practices.

What is Cultural Convergence in World Geography

Cultural convergence in world geography refers to the global phenomenon of cultures becoming more alike due to increased interactions, trade, migration, and technological advancements. It signifies the homogenization of cultural practices on a global scale.

What is the Difference Between Cultural Divergence and Cultural Convergence

Cultural divergence focuses on the differentiation and preservation of unique cultural identities, leading to distinct practices and beliefs. In contrast, cultural convergence highlights the blending and assimilation of cultural elements between different societies, resulting in increased similarities.

What is Meant by the Term Convergence

In the context of cultural convergence, the term “convergence” refers to the process of cultures coming together, adopting similar practices, and assimilating elements from other cultures. It showcases a movement towards a shared cultural framework.

What is an Example of Cultural Convergence

A popular example of cultural convergence is the influence of American fast-food chains like McDonald’s and KFC on global diets and dining habits. These restaurants have successfully assimilated into numerous cultures worldwide, adapting their menus and practices to local preferences while still retaining their core branding.

What is a Cultural Convergence Essay

A cultural convergence essay explores the concept of cultural convergence, examining the factors that contribute to its occurrence, its impact on societies and individuals, and the resulting changes in cultural practices and beliefs. It typically analyzes specific examples and provides a broader understanding of the global cultural landscape.

What is Cultural Convergence and How Did it Occur

Cultural convergence is the blending of cultural elements from different societies. It occurs through interactions, trade, migration, and technological advancements. The ease of communication and rapid dissemination of information through the internet and social media platforms have accelerated the process of cultural convergence in recent times.

What is Cultural Cohesion in AP Human Geography

Cultural cohesion in AP Human Geography refers to the degree of unity and similarity within a particular culture. It measures the strength of shared values, beliefs, and practices among individuals within a society.

What is Cultural Convergence in Globalization

Cultural convergence in globalization refers to the phenomenon of cultures becoming more interconnected and sharing common practices and values. It reflects the blending of cultural elements on a global scale, resulting from increased interactions and the flow of information across borders.

What Are Examples of Cultural Divergence

  • The Amish community in the United States, known for maintaining traditional practices and resisting modern technologies, represents an example of cultural divergence.
  • The preservation of indigenous languages and customs among Native American tribes demonstrates cultural divergence, as these groups strive to maintain their unique identities despite outside influences.

What is Convergence? Why is it Important

Convergence refers to the coming together and blending of different elements. In the context of cultural convergence, it signifies the assimilation of cultural practices and beliefs from various societies. It is important as it fosters global understanding, cultural exchange, and the development of new ideas through the sharing of diverse perspectives.

Are Cultures Converging or Diverging

Cultures are experiencing both convergence and divergence simultaneously. Globalization has led to increased cultural convergence, as cultures adopt elements from one another. However, local and regional identities and traditions continue to be preserved, resulting in cultural divergence.

Who Made Convergence and Divergence

The concepts of cultural convergence and divergence were developed by scholars in the field of cultural geography and anthropology. However, these ideas are the result of observations and analyses of cultural interactions throughout history.

Which is an Example of Cultural Convergence

One example of cultural convergence is the widespread adoption of yoga practices in Western societies. Originating from ancient Indian traditions, yoga has been embraced globally, with people from different cultures practicing and blending it into their daily routines.

Why Does Cultural Globalization Refer to the Convergence of Business and Consumer Culture

Cultural globalization refers to the worldwide flow and exchange of cultural elements. It involves the diffusion of consumer culture, including products, brands, and advertising, which contributes to the convergence of business and consumer practices. This convergence is driven by the desires and demands of a global consumer market.

What is Cultural Divergence in AP Human Geography? Can You Provide an Example

In AP Human Geography, cultural divergence refers to the process by which cultures develop unique characteristics and practices, differentiating themselves from other cultures. An example of cultural divergence is the case of North Korea, where the country’s political isolation has led to the preservation of its distinct culture, customs, and beliefs.

What Increases Cultural Convergence

Several factors contribute to cultural convergence, including: – Increased global travel and migration, leading to cultural exchanges. – Technological advancements, facilitating the spread of information and cultural influences. – Economic interdependence and international trade, promoting cultural interaction. – The rise of social media and the internet, connecting people globally and facilitating the sharing of ideas.

What is the Difference Between Cultural Convergence and Hybridization

Cultural convergence involves the blending and assimilation of cultural elements from different societies, resulting in increased similarities. On the other hand, hybridization refers to the creation of new cultural forms that arise from the mixing and combination of various traditions, resulting in unique practices and expressions.

What is Convergence Culture? Is Participatory Culture an Important Part of Media Convergence? Elaborate in Detail.

Convergence culture refers to the merging of media technologies, practices, and content. It involves the integration of different media platforms and encourages participation and engagement from consumers. Participatory culture is indeed an essential part of media convergence, as it allows individuals to actively contribute, share, and collaborate in the production and consumption of media content. This active participation enhances the overall media experience and reflects the dynamic nature of contemporary media consumption.

What is Cultural Convergence in Quizlet

In Quizlet, cultural convergence refers to the assimilation of cultural practices and beliefs from different societies. It highlights the blending of cultural elements and the resulting increase in similarities between cultures.

What is Cultural Convergence

Cultural convergence is the assimilation and blending of cultural elements from different societies. It signifies the movement towards a shared cultural framework, resulting in increased similarities between cultures.

Understanding cultural convergence and its implications in geography is essential for comprehending the complexity of our interconnected world. By exploring the concept, examples, and distinctions from cultural divergence, we gain insight into the diverse dynamics and influences that shape our cultures. So, embrace the converging world and celebrate the fusion of ideas!

  • cultural boundaries
  • cultural convergence
  • cultural divergence
  • cultural elements
  • different cultures
  • different societies
  • fascinating concept
  • globalization
  • interactions
  • real-life examples

' src=

Brandon Thompson

Can i put bleach in chicken water a complete guide, who is stronger: zeno or zalama unraveling the power of the divine beings, you may also like, katy perry’s eye color: unraveling the mystery.

  • by Thomas Harrison
  • October 28, 2023

Is No News Good News in Underwriting

  • by Brian Thomas
  • November 4, 2023

Who is Deja’s Boyfriend on This Is Us and Other Burning Questions Answered

  • November 3, 2023

Is It Normal for Texting to Slow Down in a Relationship?

  • October 12, 2023

What Do the Amish Do at Night: Unraveling the Secrets of an Enigmatic Lifestyle

  • by Travis Heath
  • October 24, 2023

Are Pets per Character in Lost Ark? – A Comprehensive Guide

  • by Willie Wilson
  • October 22, 2023

show password

Make sure to remember your password. If you forget it there is no way for StudyStack to send you a reset link. You would need to create a new account. Your email address is only used to allow you to reset your password. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service .

Already a StudyStack user? Log In

APHG: UNIT 3.1 VOCAB

This is unit 3 with concepts of culture, folk, pop, and language.

TermExample
Possibilism the viewpoint that arose as a criticism of environmental determinism, holding that human populations develop their own cultures within constraints set by the environment
Sociofact a culture trait in the sociological subsystem, which is, the part of a culture that guides how people are expected to interact with each other and how their social institutions are structured
Syncretism the development of a new form of culture trait by the fusion of two or more distinct parental traits Romans trying to convert non-Christians into Christians and developing holidays like Easter ETHAN
Hunter-gatherer an economic and social system based primarily or exclusively on the hunting of wild animals and the gathering of food, fiber and other materials from uncultivated plants, insects, eggs and so on.
Ideological Subsystem the complex of ideas, beliefs, knowledge, and means of their communication that characterize a culture, along with the technological and sociological subsystems The mythology of how the angle Lucifer was exiled to earth and became the devil in Christian religion AUGUSTINE
Technological subsystem the complex of material objects together with the techniques of their use by means of which people carry out their productive activities and that characterize a culture, along with the ideological and sociological subsystems
independent invention (parallel invention) innovations developed in two or more unconnected locations by individuals or groups acting independently pyramids of Egypt and Mayan civilization pyramids HANNAH
innovation introduction of new culture traits, whether ideas, practices, or material objects
Multilinear Evolution a concept of independent but parallel cultural development advanced by the anthropologist Julian Steward to explain cultural similarities among widely separated peoples existing in similar environments but who could not have benefited from shared experiences borrowed ideas, or diffused technologies
Acculturation the process of learning how to operate within a new culture; cultural modification or change that results when one culture group or individual adopts traits of a dominant or host society; cultural development or change through 'borrowing'
Assimilation the adoption of a new culture by a migrant and the abandonment of most aspects of an original culture change of dress and behaviors an immigrant may go through when living in a new country ABIGAIL
Contagious Diffusion MOVE CARD
Cultural Adaptation the process and time it takes a person to integrate into a new culture and feel comfortable within it. A person in this position may encounter a wide array of emotions that the theory describes in four different stages. This includes the honeymoon, culture shock, recovery, and adjustment stages. American Indians adapting to listening to modern commodities through the years such as the introduction of jeans, cars, language, and music. NOLAN
Cultural Autonomy Every nation, irrespective of place of domicile of its individual members (irrespective of territory, hence the term “extra-territorial” autonomy) is a united officially recognized association conducting national-cultural affairs. segregation ABIGAIL
Cultural Convergence The tendency for cultures to become more alike as they increasingly share technology and organizational structures in a modern world united by improved transportation and communication. The act of countries in Europe interacting with each other leading to the swapping of cultures and overall inclusion of all cultures in areas formally separate NOLAN
Cultural Divergence Sometimes religious beliefs can clash with popular culture, forcing the faithful members of certain cultures to practice cultural divergence. A good example of this is the Amish culture in the United States. The Amish are a type of Christian religious group. The Amish keep separation between themselves and other communities KENDALL
Cultural Core/periphery pattern The core-periphery idea that the core houses main economic power of region and the outlying region or periphery houses lesser economic ties. the visible imprint of human activity and culture on the landscape.
Cultural ecology MOVE CARD
Culture hearth MOVE CARD
Cultural identity the identity or feeling of belonging to a group. It is part of a person's self-conception and self-perception and is related to nationality, ethnicity, religion, social class, generation, locality or any kind of social group that has its own distinct culture. I am Filipino HANNAH
Cultural landscape the cultural impacts on an area, including buildings, agricultural patterns, roads, signs, and nearly everything else that humans have created
cultural realm a geographical region where cultural traits maintain homogeneity. The cultural traits are supposed to be the product of regional geographical circumstances. The entire region throughout which a culture prevails. Criteria that may be chosen to define culture realms include religion, language, diet, customs, or economic development
Cultural system the interaction of different elements of culture. While this is quite different from a social system, sometimes both systems together are referred to as the sociocultural system. the north and south in the 1800's (pre-civil war) where the south was mostly rural and the act of slavery wasn't shunned. The north shunned Slavery and viewed it as a vile thing also mostly urban NOLAN
Culture Region refers to a geographical area with one relatively homogeneous human activity or complex of activities (culture). These are often associated with an ethnolinguistic group and the territory it inhabits.
Expansion Diffusion MOVE CARD
Hierarchical Diffusion MOVE CARD
Stimulus Diffusion MOVE CARD
Relocation Diffuison MOVE CARD
Innovation Adoption Curve is a model that classifies adopters of innovations into various categories, based on the idea that certain individuals are inevitably more open to adaptation than others. Aka: Multi-step Flow Theory, Diffusion of Innovations Theory. The categories are: Innovators, Early Adopters, Early Majority, Late Majority, Laggards
Maladaptive Diffusion diffusion of an idea or innovation that is not suitable for the environment in which it diffused into (e.g., New England-style homes in Hawaii, or Ranch-style homes in northeast US).
Subsequent Occupancy notion that successful societies leave their cultural imprints on a place each contributing to the cumulative cultural landscape. The African nation of Tanzania has passed from the hands of one ruler to another with the culture traits of each AUGUSTINE
Public Land Survey System is a way of subdividing and describing land in the United States. All lands in the public domain are subject to subdivision by this rectangular system of surveys, which is regulated by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Vernacular House is an architectural style that is designed based on local needs, availability of construction materials and reflecting local traditions.
Vernacular Region s a distinctive area where the inhabitants collectively consider themselves interconnected by a shared history, mutual interests, and a common identity. Such regions are "intellectual inventions" and a form of shorthand to identify things, people, and places. Tidewater, tri city area KENDALL
Metes-and-bounds mits or boundaries of a tract of land as identified by natural landmarks, such as rivers, or by man-made structures, such as roads, or by stakes or other markers. A principal legal type of land description in the United States, metes-and-bounds descriptions are commonly used wherever survey areas are irregular in size and shape.
Long-Lot System system implemented in Quebec, Louisiana, Texas or areas of French influence, that divide the land into narrow parcels stretching back from rivers, roads, or canals
Heritage Landscape A cultural landscape, as defined by the World Heritage Committee, is the "cultural properties [that] represent the combined works of nature and of man." "a landscape designed and created intentionally by man" an "organically evolved landscape" which may be a relict (or fossil) landscape or a continuing landscape Native American Reservations KENDALL
Rectangular Survey System provides for a unit of land approximately 24 miles square, bounded by base lines running east and west, and meridians running north and south. This 24 mile square is divided into areas six miles square called townships. Townships are further divided into 36 sections, each one mile square.
Transculturation s a term coined by Cuban anthropologist Fernando Ortiz in 1947 to describe the phenomenon of merging and converging cultures. Buddhism originated in India but spread around and merged with Confucianism. ETHAN
Adaptive Strategies Describes a society's system of economic production -helps explain some of the differences between societies that are influenced by economy.
Anglo-American Landscape distinguished by a set of cultural traits like language, beliefs, customs, norms of behavior, social institutions, way of life, artifacts etc; Influences from Britain caused certain styles of housing. British Architecture in America
Characteristics a feature or quality belonging typically to a person, place, or thing and serving to identify it. religion, language, arts, and social organizations SAMAR
Architectural Form the look of housing, effected by the available materials, the environment the house is in, and the popular culture of the time
Built Environment efers to the man-made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity, ranging in scale from buildings to parks. It has been defined as "the humanitarian-made space in which people live, work, and recreate on a day-to-day basis."
Folk Culture A culture traditionally practiced by a small, homogeneous, rural group living in isolation. The banjo & fiddle are traditional instruments in 'folk culture' NATHAN
Folk Food Food that is traditionally made by the common people of a region and forms part of their culture.
Folk House traditional housing pioneer homes like ,log cabin style homes SAMAR
Folk Songs traditionally sung by the common people of a region and forms part of their culture; typically no skill is required "this land is your land" SAMAR
Folklore unwritten lore (stories, proverbs, riddles, songs) of a culture
Habit a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up. brushing your teeth every morning and every night is a habit ABIGAIL
Taboo a social or religious custom prohibiting or forbidding discussion of a particular practice or forbidding association with a particular person, place, or thing. In India, cows are extremely sacred and if you eat one it is considered extremely taboo and problematic ETHAN
Terrior the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate.
Material Culture efers to the physical objects, resources, and spaces that people use to define their culture. These include homes, neighborhoods, cities, schools, churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, offices, factories and plants, tools, means of production, goods and products, stores, and so forth. cars, books, clothing, computer, etc. SAMAR
Nonmaterial Culture Thoughts or ideas that make up a culture. does not include any physical objects or artifacts. include any ideas, beliefs, values, norms that may help shape society.
Popular Culture culture based on the tastes of ordinary people rather than an educated elite
Survey Systems systems that are used to collect data
Traditional Architecture traditional building styles of different cultures, religions, and places
Local culture Group of people in a particular place who see themselves as a collective or Community, who share experiences, customs, and traits and who worked to preserve those traits and customs in order to claim uniqueness and to distinguish themselves from others the south's teachings of using politeness such as "yes ma'am or no sir" as well as holding the door open which is commonly not done in the north United States NOLAN
Custom The body of traditional practices, usages, and conventions that regulate social life in Japan people greet each other by bowing KENDALL
Cultural Appropriation The process by which cultures adopt customs and knowledge from other cultures and use them for their own benefits bindis, or headdresses HANNAH
Neolocalism A social movement advocating a return to local products, locally owned businesses, and locally controlled institutions in reaction against Mass popular culture and globalization People from China in Chinatown in NYC still celebrate their Chinese culture and holidays, such as the Chinese New Year. ETHAN
Ethnic Neighborhood An area within a city containing members of the same ethnic background Chinatown HANNAH
Commodification The process through which something is given monetary value. This occurs when a good or idea that previously was regarded as an object to be bought and sold is turned into something that has a particular prize and that can be traded in a market economy salt was used for money and big deals KENDALL
Authenticity In the context of local cultures are Customs, the accuracy with which a single stereotypical or Typecast image or experience conveys an otherwise dynamic and complex local culture or its customs
Distance Decay The declining intensity of a spatial interaction with increasing distance from its point of origin
Reterritorilization With respect to popular culture, when people within a place start to produce an aspect of popular culture themselves, doing so in the context of their local culture and making it their own when the Spanish conquered the Aztecs, they eliminated all Aztec symbols AUGUSTINE
Placelessness Define by geographer Edward Relph as the loss of uniqueness of place in the cultural landscape so that one place looks like the next
Global-local Continuum The notion that would happens at the global scale has a direct effect on what happens at the local scale, and vice versa. This idea posits that the world is comprised of an interconnected series of relationships that extend across face
Glocalization The process by which people in a local place mediate and alter Regional, National, and Global processes mcdonald’s ABIGAIL
Folk-housing region A region in which the housing stock predominately reflects styles of buildings that are particular to the culture of the people who have long inhabited the area
Diffusion Routes The spatial trajectory through which cultural traits or other phenomena spread
Creolized Language A language that began as a pidgin language but was later adopted as the mother tongue by a people in place of the mother tongue
Backward Reconstruction The tracking of sound shifts and hardening of consonants backwards towards the original language
Mutual Intelligibility The ability of two people to understand each other when speaking Spanish and Portuguese KENDALL
Geographic Dialect A language variant marked by vocabulary, grammar, or pronunciation differences from other variants of the same common language. When those variations are spatial or Regional, they are called Geographic dialects. When they are indicative of socio-economic or educational levels, they are called social dialects
Deep reconstruction Technique using the vocabulary of an extinct language to recreate the language that preceded the extinct language
Dialect Chains A set of continuous dialects in which the dialects nearest to each other at any place in the chain are most closely related
Ebonics Dialect spoken by some African-Americans
Extinct Language A language that was once used by people in daily activities but is no longer used
Ideograms The system of writing used in China and other East Asian countries in which each symbol represents an idea or concept rather than a specific sound as is the case with letters in English
Isogloss A geographic boundary within which a particular linguistic feature occurs
Isolated Language A language that is unrelated to any other languages and therefore not attached to any language family
Language A set of sounds, combination of sounds, and symbols that are used for communication
Language Branch A collection of languages related through a common ancestor that existed several thousand years ago. Differences are not as extensive or is old with language families, and archaeological evidence can confirm that the branches derived from the same family
Language Family A collection of languages related to each other through a common ancestor that existed long before recorded history
Language Group A collection of languages within a branch that share a common origin in the relatively recent past and display relatively few differences in grammar and vocabulary
Language Subfamily a smaller group of related languages within a language family
Romance Language French, Spanish, Italian, Romanian, and Portuguese that lie in the areas that were once controlled by the Roman Empire but we're not subsequently overwhelmed
Germanic Language English, German, Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish that reflect the expansion of people's out of Northern Europe to the west and south
Slavic Languages Russian, polish, Czech, Slovak, Ukrainian, Slovenian, serbo-croatian, and Bulgarian that developed as Slavic people migrated from a base in present-day Ukraine close to 2000 years ago
Indo-European Language Language family containing the Germanic and romance languages that includes languages spoken by about 50% of the world's people
Sino-Tibetan Language area that spreads through most of Southeast Asia and China and is comprised of Chinese, Burmese, Tibetan, Japanese, and Korean
Afro-Asiatic A large language family found primarily in North Africa and Southwest Asia
Niger-Congo A large language family of 1400 languages spoken primarily in Africa
Malayo-Polynesian A large language family of over 1,200 tongues spoken primarily in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific
Language Divergence The process suggested by German linguist August Schleicher whereby new languages or formed when a language breaks into dialects due to a lack of spatial interaction among speakers of the language and continued isolation eventually causes the division of the language into discrete new languages Spanish and Portuguese is a language that has been broken down into two forms AUGUSTINE
Language Convergence A collapsing of two languages into one resulting from the consistent spatial interaction of peoples with different languages
Lingua Franca A term driving from Frankish language and applying a tongue spoken in ancient Mediterranean ports that consisted of a mixture of Italian, French, Greek, Spanish and even some Arabic. Today it refers to a Common Language a language used among speakers of different languages for the purpose of trade and commerce
Global Language The language used most commonly around the world defined on the basis of either the number of speakers of the language, or prevalence of use in Commerce and trade
Literary Tradition A language that is written as well as spoken
Linguistic Diversity the amount of variation of languages a place has
Monolingual States Countries in which only one language is spoken
Multilingual states Countries in which more than one language is spoken
official language In multilingual countries the language selected, Often by the educated and politically powerful Elite, to promote internal cohesion. Usually the language of the courts and government The Official languages of Afghanistan are Pashto and Dari KENDALL
Pidgin When parts of two or more languages are combined in a simplified structure and vocabulary Seal Island Creole (Spoken in South Carolinas Sea Islands) Hatian Creole in Louisiana KENDALL
Polyglot A multilingual state
Protolanguage The common ancestor of a family of modern languages
Sound shift Slight change in a word across languages within a sub family or through a language family from the present backwards towards its origin
Proto-Indo-European Linguistic hypothesis proposing the existence of an ancestral Indo-European language that is the Hearth of the ancient Latin, Greek, and Sanskrit languages which Hearth would link modern languages from Scandinavia to North Africa and from North America through parts of Asia to Australia
Nostratic Language believed to be the ancestral language not only of proto-indo-european, but also of the Kartvelian languages of the Southern Caucasus region, the Uralic-Altaic languages (including Hungarian, Finnish, Turkish, and Mongolian), the dravidian languages of India, and the afro-asiatic language family
Toponym Place name
Trade Language A language used between native speakers of different languages to allow them to communicate so that they can trade with each other. English is a trade language being learned around the world to have the ability to trade with English speaking countries AUGUSTINE
Standard Language The variant of a language that a country's political and intellectual Elite seek to promote as the norm for used in schools, government, the media, and other aspects of public life
Bilingual fluency in at least two languages I speak both English and Spanish AUGUSTINE
Vernacular The non-standard indigenous language or dialect of a locality. Of or related to indigenous arts and architecture, such as a house period of or related to the perceptions and understandings of the general population, such as a region
Vulgar Latin A form of Latin used in Daily conversation by ancient Romans, as opposed to the standard dialect, which was used for official documents
Renfrew Hypothesis Hypothesis developed by British scholar Colin Renfro wherein he proposed that three areas in and near the first agricultural hearths, the Fertile Crescent, gave rise to three language families: Europe's Indo-European languages from Anatolia, North African and Arabian languages from the Western Arc of the Fertile Crescent, and the languages in present-day Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India from the Eastern Arc of the Fertile Crescent
Kurgan Theory The Proto-Indo-European language diffused from modern day Ukraine through CONQUEST
culture complex MOVE CARD
Culture A society's Collective beliefs, symbols, values, forms of behavior, and social organizations, together with its tools, structures, and artifacts created according to the group's conditions of Life. Transmitted as a Heritage to succeeding generations and undergoing adoptions, modifications, and changes in the process. A collective term for group displaying uniform characteristics

Use these flashcards to help memorize information. Look at the large card and try to recall what is on the other side. Then click the card to flip it. If you knew the answer, click the green Know box. Otherwise, click the red Don't know box.

When you've placed seven or more cards in the Don't know box, click "retry" to try those cards again.

If you've accidentally put the card in the wrong box, just click on the card to take it out of the box.

You can also use your keyboard to move the cards as follows:

  • SPACEBAR - flip the current card
  • LEFT ARROW - move card to the Don't know pile
  • RIGHT ARROW - move card to Know pile
  • BACKSPACE - undo the previous action

If you are logged in to your account, this website will remember which cards you know and don't know so that they are in the same box the next time you log in.

When you need a break, try one of the other activities listed below the flashcards like Matching, Snowman, or Hungry Bug. Although it may feel like you're playing a game, your brain is still making more connections with the information to help you out.

To see how well you know the information, try the Quiz or Test activity.

"Know" box contains:
Time elapsed:
Retries:
  • Macroeconomics Syllabus
  • Microeconomics Syllabus
  • AP Economics Classroom Policy & Expectations
  • AP ECONOMICS: Student Resources
  • AP Human Geography Syllabus
  • AP Human Geography Class Policies & Expectations
  • World History ADV Classroom Policy &Expectations
  • World History ADV Syllabus


, , and others

            (Cultural Patterns and Processes)

Geographies of Local (Folk) and Pop Culture and Cultural Landscapes

webpage to attempt to define cultural regions using linguistic differences among users of soft drinks

K. EXAM III – Multiple Choice and Free Response

 

, 2 , 3 , biotechnology, biogenetics, cloning, genetically modified foods Edition of to ascertain what crops are grown where and in what quantities – study of meat processing and the rise of agribusiness and – study of modern agricultural mechanization and hybridization of crops to allow for machine harvest

F. EXAM VI – Multiple Choice and Free Response

F. EXAM VII – Multiple Choice and Free Response



Students whose schedules conflict will take an alternative AP exam on assigned late-testing date (TBD by College Board)

 

Advertisement

Advertisement

The Convergence Hypothesis: History, Theory, and Evidence

  • Published: January 1998
  • Volume 9 , pages 85–105, ( 1998 )

Cite this article

convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

  • Farhad Rassekh 1  

1844 Accesses

42 Citations

3 Altmetric

Explore all metrics

The hypothesis that per capita output converges across economies over time represents one of the oldest controversies in economics. This essay surveys the history and development of the hypothesis, focusing particularly on its vast literature since the mid-1980s. A summary of empirical analyses, econometric issues, and various tests of the convergence hypothesis are also presented. Moreover, the essay analyzes the implications of the hypothesis for economic growth, especially as it relates to underdeveloped economies.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Subscribe and save.

  • Get 10 units per month
  • Download Article/Chapter or eBook
  • 1 Unit = 1 Article or 1 Chapter
  • Cancel anytime

Price includes VAT (Russian Federation)

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Rent this article via DeepDyve

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

Econometric Aspects of Convergence: A Survey

convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

The empirics of economic growth over time and across nations: a unified growth perspective

convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

Economic Growth, Empirical Regularities in

Abramovitz, Moses (1979) “Rapid Growth Potential and its Realization: The Experience of the Capitalist Economies in the Postwar Period.” In Edmond Malinvaud (ed.) Economic Growth and Resources , London and New York: MacMillan Press, vol. I.

Google Scholar  

——— (1986) “Catching Up, Forging Ahead, and Falling Behind,” Journal of Economic History , pp. 385–406.

Abramovitz, Moses and Paul A. David (1996) “Convergence and Deferred Catch-Up-Productivity Leadership and the waning of American Exceptionalism.” In Ralph Landau, Timothy Taylor, and Gavin Wright (eds.) The Mosaic of Economic Growth , Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, pp. 21–62.

Barro, Robert J. and Xavier Sala-i-Martin (1995) Economic Growth . New York: McGraw-Hill.

Baumol, William J. (1986) “Productivity Growth, Convergence, and Welfare: What the Long-Run Data Show,” American Economic Review 76(5), 1072–85.

——— (1994) “Multivariate Growth Patterns: Contagion and Common Forces as Possible Sources of Convergence.” In William Baumol, Richard Nelson, and Edward Wolff (eds.) Convergence of Productivity: Cross-National Studies and Historical Evidence , Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 62–85.

Baumol, William J., Sue Anne Batey Blackman, and Edward N. Wolff (1989), Productivity and American Leadership , Cambridge,MA: MIT Press.

Ben-David, Dan (1995a) “Measuring Income Convergence: An Alternative Test.” Tel Aviv University, Working Paper, pp. 41–95.

——— (1995b) “Convergence Clubs and Subsistence Economies,” Mimeograph, Tel Aviv University.

——— (1996) “Trade and Convergence Among Countries,” Journal of International Economics 40, 279–298.

Ben-David, Dan and Michael B. Loewy (1996) “Free Trade and Long-Run Growth.” Mimeograph, Tel Aviv University and University of Houston.

Bernard, Andrew B. and Steven N. Durlauf (1995) “Convergence in International Output,” Journal of Applied Econometrics 10, 97–108.

——— (1996) “Interpreting Tests of the Convergence Hypothesis,” Journal of Econometrics 71, 161–173.

Bernard, Andrew B. and Charles I. Jones (1996) “Comparing Apples to Oranges: Productivity Convergence and Measurement Across Industries and Countries,” American Economic Review 86(5), 1216–1238.

Blomström, Mangus and Robert Lipsey (1996) “Multinational Firms and the Diffusion of Skills and Technology,” NBER Reporter , Summer, pp. 11–13.

Blomström, Mangus, Robert Lipsey, and Mario Zejan (1996) “Is Fixed Investment the Key to Economic Growth?,” Quarterly Journal of Economics 111(1), 269–276.

Caballero, Ricardo and Adam B. Jaffe (1993) “How High are the Giants' Shoulders: An Empirical Assessment of Knowledge Spillovers and Creative Destruction in a Model of Economic Growth,” NBER Macroeconomics Annual 1993 , Cambridge: MIT Press, pp. 15–74.

De Long, Bradford (1988) “Productivity Growth, Convergence, and Welfare,” American Economic Review 78(5), 1138–54.

Dollar, David and Edward N. Wolff (1993) Competitiveness, Convergence, and International Specialization . Cambridge: MIT Press.

Dowrick, Steve and Duc-Tho Nguyen (1987) “Australia's Post-War Economic Growth: Measurement and International Comparison,” Canberra: Center for Economic Policy Research , Australian National University, Discussion Paper No. 160.

Durlauf, Steven N. and Paul Johnson (1995) “Multiple Regimes and Cross-Country Growth Behavior,” Journal of Applied Econometrics 10, 365–384.

Edwards, Sebastian (1993a) “Trade Policy, Exchange Rates and Growth.” NBER , Working Paper 4511.

——— (1993b) “Openness, Trade Liberalization, and Growth in Developing Countries,” Journal of Economic Literature 31(3), 1358–1393.

Elmslie, Bruce T. (1994) “The Endogenous Nature of Technological Progress and Transfer in Adam Smith Thought,” History of Political Economy 26(4), 649–664.

——— (1995) “ Retrospectives: The Convergence Debate Between David Hume and Josiah Tucker,” Journal of Economic Perspective 9(4), 207–216.

Evans, Paul and Georgios Karras (1996a) “Convergence Revisited,” Journal of Monetary Economics 37, 249–265.

——— (1996b) “Do Economies Converge? Evidence from a Panel of U. S. States,” Review of Economics and Statistics , Forthcoming.

Friedman, Milton (1992) “Do Old Fallacies Ever Die?,” Journal of Economic Literature 30(4), 2129–2132.

Gerschenkron, Alexander (1952) “Economic Bakwardness in Historical Perspective.” In Bert F. Hoselitz (ed.) The Progress of Underdeveloped Areas , Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, pp. 3–29.

——— (1962) Economic Backwardness in Historical Perspective, A Book of Essays . Cambridge: Belknap Press.

Grossman, Gene M. and Elhanan Helpman (1994) “Endogeneous Innovation in the Theory of Growth,” Journal of Economic Perspectives 8(1), 23–44.

Gruen, F. H. (1986) “How Bad is Australia's Economic Performance and Why?” Economic Record , pp. 180–193.

von Hagen, Juergen (1989) “Relative Commodity Prices and Cointegration,” Journal of Business and Economic Statistics 7(4), 497–503.

Heckscher, Eli F. (1991) “The Effects of Foreign Trade on the Distribution of Income.” In Harry Flam and June Flanders (eds.) Heckscher-Ohlin Trade Theory , Cambridge: MIT Press.

Hume, David (1758) Essays and Treatie's on Several Subjects . London: A. Millar.

Inada, Ken-Ichi (1963) “On a Two-Sector Model of Economic Growth: Comments and a Generalization,” Review of Economic Studies 30, 119–127.

Irwin, Douglas A. (1996) Against the Tide—An Intellectual History of Free Trade . Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Krueger, Anne O. (1968) “Factor Endowments and Per Capita Income Differences Among Countries,” Economic Journal 78, 641–659.

Lucas, Robert E., Jr. (1988) “On the Mechanics of Development Planning,” Journal of Monetary Economics 22(1), 3–42.

Maddison, Angus (1982) Phases of Capitalist Development . New York: Oxford University Press.

——— (1987) “Growth and Slowdown in Advanced Capitalist Economies,” Journal of Economic Literature 25(2), 649–698.

——— (1995) Monitoring the World Economy 1820–1992. Paris: OECD.

Magee, Stephen P., William Brock, and Leslie Young (1989) Black Hole Tariffs and Endogenous Policy Theory . Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Mankiw, N. Gregory, David Romer, and David Weil (1992) “A Contribution to the Empirics of Economic Growth,” Quarterly Journal of Economics 107(2), 407–437.

Mansfield, Edwin (1985) “How Rapidly Does New Industrial Technology Leak out?,” Journal of Industrial Economics 34(2), 217–223.

Mansfield, Edwin, Mark Schwartz, and Samuel Wagner (1981) “Imitation Costs and Patents: An Empirical Study,” Economic Journal 91, 907–918.

McCloskey, Donald N. (1990) If You're So Smart . Chicago: The University of Chicago Press.

Meier, Gerald M. (1995) “International Trade and International Inequality.” In Gerald M. Meier (ed.) Leading Issues in Economic Development (1995) , Sixth edition, New York: Oxford University Press.

Mill, John S. (1848) Principles of Political Economy , (1864 edition). Second volume, New York: D. Appleton and Company.

Myrdal, Gunnar (1956) “Trade as a Mechanism of International Inequality.” In Gunnar Myrdal (ed.) Development and Underdevelopment , National Bank of Egypt Fiftieth Anniversary Commemoration Lectures, Cairo, 47–51. Reprinted in Gerald Meier (1995).

Olson, Mancur (1982) The Rise and Decline of Nations . New Haven: Yale University Press.

O'Rourke, Kevin, Alan Taylor, and Jeffrey G. Williamson (1996) “Factor Price Convergence in the Late Nineteenth Century,” International Economic Review 37(3), 499–530.

Prebisch, Raul (1950) The Economic Development of Latin America and its Principal Problems . New York: United Nations.

Pritchett, Lant (1997) “Divergence, Big Time.” Journal of Economic Perspective 11(3), 3–17.

Quah, Danny T. (1993) “Galton's Fallacy and Tests of the Convergence Hypothesis,” Scandinavian Journal of Economics 95(4), 427–443.

——— (1996) “Empirics for Economic Growth and Convergence,” European Economic Review 40, 1353–1375.

Rassekh, Farhad (1992) “The Role of International Trade in the Convergence of Per Capita GDP in the OECD: 1950–85,” International Economic Journal 6(4), 1–16.

Rassekh, Farhad and Henry Thompson (1993)“Factor Price Equalization: Theory and Evidence,” Journal of Economic Integration 8(1), 1–32.

——— (1998) “Micro Convergence and Macro Convergence: Factor Price Equalization and Per Capita Income,” Pacific Economic Review, February, Forthcoming.

Rassekh, Farhad, Michael J. Panik, and Bharat Kolluri (1997) “Some Aspects of Converging Economies of OECD, 1950–1990,” Mimeograph, University of Hartford.

Romer, Paul M. (1986) “Increasing Returns and Long-Run Growth,” Journal of Political Economy 94(5), 1002–1037.

——— (1994) “The Origins of Endogeneous Growth,” Journal of Economic Perspectives 8(1), 3–22.

Romer, Henry S. (1996) “World Wealth Expanding: Why a Rich, Democratic, and (perhaps) Peaceful era is Ahead.” In Ralph Landau et al. (eds.) The Mosaic of Economic Growth , Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, pp. 92–125.

Rowen, Henry S. (1996) “World Wealth Expanding: Why a Rich, Democratic, and (perhaps) Peaceful era is Ahead.” In Ralph Landau et al. (eds.) The Mosaic of Economic Growth , Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, pp. 92–125.

Sachs, Jeffrey and Andrew Warner (1995) “Economic Convergence and Economic Policies.” NBER, Working Paper 5039.

Sala-i-Martin, Xavier (1996) “Regional Cohesion: Evidence and Theories of Regional Growth and Convergence,” European Economic Review 40, 1325–1352.

——— (1997) “I Just Ran Two Million Regressions,” American Economic Review 87(2), 178–183.

Samuelson, Paul A. (1948) “International Trade and the Equalization of Factor Prices,” Economic Journal 58, 163–184.

Singer, Hans W. (1950) “The Distribution of Gains Between Investing and Borrowing Countries,” American Economic Review 40(2), 473–85.

Slaughter, Matthew (1997) “Per Capita Income Convergence and the Role of International Trade,” American Economic Review 87(2), 194–199.

Smith, Adam (1776) The Wealth of Nations , edited by Edwin Cannan (1937), New York: Random House.

Solow, Robert M. (1956) “A Contribution to the Theory of Economic Growth,” Quarterly Journal of Economics 70(1), 65–94.

Stokey, Nancy L. (1991) “The Volume and Composition of Trade Between Rich and Poor Countries,” Review of Economic Studies 58, 63–80.

Teece, David J. (1977) “Technological Transfer by Multinational Firms: The Resource Cost of Transferring Technological Know-How,” Economic Journal 87, 242–261.

Veblen, Thorstein (1915) Imperial Germany and the Industrial Revolution . New York: Macmillan.

Williamson, Jeffrey (1996) “Globalization, Convergence, and History,” Journal of Economic History 56(2), 1–30.

——— (1997) “Globalization and Inequality Then and Now,” World Bank Research Observers , Forthcoming.

Young Alwyn (1991) “Learning by Doing and the Dynamic Effects of International Trade,” Quarterly Journal of Economics 106, 369–405.

Download references

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Economics, Barney School of Business and Public Administration, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT, 06117, U.S.A.

Farhad Rassekh

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Rassekh, F. The Convergence Hypothesis: History, Theory, and Evidence. Open Economies Review 9 , 85–105 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008279323832

Download citation

Issue Date : January 1998

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1008279323832

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

  • convergence
  • technology transfer
  • neoclassical growth model
  • globalization
  • income divergence
  • Find a journal
  • Publish with us
  • Track your research

IMAGES

  1. AP Human Geography

    convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

  2. Case Studies in AP Human Geography by Social Studies with Mr Lukas

    convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

  3. Convergence Theory: 10 Examples and Definition (2024)

    convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

  4. Ch08 all macro__lecture_ppt

    convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

  5. PPT

    convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

  6. AP Human Geography- Example Review by AP Human Geography

    convergence hypothesis ap human geography example

VIDEO

  1. Species Richness l Species Evenness l Biodiversity Measurement l Species Richness in English

  2. AP Human Geography Students… #aphg #aphumangeography

  3. 2022 Live Review 1

  4. Hypothesis Writing in AP Biology

  5. Stating Hypotheses & Defining Parameters

  6. 6

COMMENTS

  1. AP Human Geography Unit 3 Part 1 Flashcards

    AP Human Geography Unit 3. Teacher 76 terms. garrett_love6. Preview. The Q by Amy Tintera Review Flashcards for Pages 98-150. Teacher 20 terms. Hillary_Moyer22. ... convergence hypothesis. a hypothesis holding that cultural differences among places are being reduced by improved transportation and communications systems, leading to a ...

  2. AP Human Geography Unit 3 Key Terms Flashcards

    Folk culture. Culture traditionally practiced by a small, homogeneous, rural group living in relative isolation from other groups. Habit. A repetitive act performed by a particular individual. Key terms from unit 3 of AP Human Geography. Learn with flashcards, games, and more — for free.

  3. PDF Practice Exam 1

    AP Human Geography Section I TIME: 60 minutes ... the convergence hypothesis (E) ethnogenesis 32. You would most expect to find a linguistic refuge area in a(n) ... in close proximity. This is an example of (A) deglomeration (D) purchasing-power parity (B) agglomeration (E) an urban heat island (C) an export-processing zone

  4. PDF AP Human Geography

    AP Human Geography - Student Samples from the 2023 Exam Administration. Question 3: Two Stimuli. 7 points. Describe ONE reason for the migration patterns shown on the map. Accept one of the following: A1. Seasonal migration (transhumance) to move herds to grazing lands and/or water sources. A2.

  5. PDF AP UNIT THREE: CULTURAL PATTERNS AND PROCESSES

    It is the combination of human activities. Each culture creates a distinctive cultural landscape. These landscapes are the combinations of physical features, agricultural and industrial practices, religious and linguistic characteristics, and other expressions of culture, like architecture. DIFFUSION.

  6. Contemporary Causes of Diffusion [AP Human Geography Unit 3 ...

    Need help reviewing for AP HUG?! Check out the AP Human Geography Ultimate Review Packet! A Packet made by Mr. Sinn to help you succeed not only on the AP Te...

  7. AP Human Geography Flashcards

    Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like time space convergence, microstate, fragmented state and more. ... Ap Human Geography period 3 Demographic Transition . 10 terms. Conor_Mitchell2. Preview. HRT 2010: ch1&4. 10 terms. fluffed_unicorns15. Preview. Political Geography Overview. 34 terms. dthomas8178.

  8. PDF AP Human Geography: Syllabus 2

    rationpush and pull factorsSC11—The course teaches students how to use and i. ata.SC3—The course providesa systematic. st. dy of population geography.2. Discuss the contributions of Ravenstein to the study o. human. mo. ement and migration. [SC12]3. Use the gravity model to predict migration and evaluat.

  9. PDF AP Human Geography Syllabus 2

    Define geography, human geography; explain the meaning of the spatial perspective. [C2] 2. Explain how geographers classify each of the following and provide examples of each: a) distributions b) locations c) regions 3. Identify how each of the following plays a role in mapmaking: a) simplification b) categorization c) symbolization d ...

  10. Concentric Zone Model: AP® Human Geography Crash Course

    When taking the AP® Human Geography exam, you may be required to look at maps of the Concentric Zone Model to identify different layers or rings of the model with their corresponding titles. You will have to consider the layout of the rings and remember that the model is designed as a bulls-eye where the smaller rings are in the center, but ...

  11. AP Human Geography Exam Questions

    If you are using assistive technology and need help accessing these PDFs in another format, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 212-713-8333 or by email at [email protected]. The 2020 free-response questions are available in the AP Classroom question bank. Download free-response questions from past AP Human Geography ...

  12. PDF AP® Human Geography

    Advanced Placement Human Geography Sample Syllabus #1. AP® Human Geography is a yearlong course that contains seven units of study as outlined in the 2019 Course and Exam Description (CED) published by the College Board. The units in the CED focus on topics including thinking geographically, population and migration, culture, political ...

  13. Cultural Divergence & Convergence

    Cultural divergence. Religion is a part of many people's lives. Religion can be very influential to a culture with the values and moral standards outlined in the belief system. Sometimes religious beliefs can clash with popular culture, forcing the faithful members of certain cultures to practice cultural divergence.

  14. PDF Ap Unit Two: Population and Migration Patterns and Processes

    TADemography is the statistical study of human populations. Demographers analyze data about human populations—data ab. ut gender, age, health, birth and death rates, among others. Populations. can change for three reasons: births, deaths, a. d migration. Geographers use the natural increase rate (NIR)to explain population.

  15. Cultural Convergence: 10 Examples and Definition

    Examples of Cultural Convergence. Music - The rise of the K-pop industry, the global popularity of hip-hop/rap music, and the "viral meme song" Tik-Tok subculture exemplify cultural convergence on a global scale. Movies and Entertainment - Thanks to worldwide streaming media platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime, movies and ...

  16. Cultural Convergence in Geography: Exploring the Confluence of ...

    In AP Human Geography, cultural divergence refers to the process by which cultures develop unique characteristics and practices, differentiating themselves from other cultures. An example of cultural divergence is the case of North Korea, where the country's political isolation has led to the preservation of its distinct culture, customs, and ...

  17. Free AP Human Geography Flashcards about APHG: UNIT 3.1 VOCAB

    Transmitted as a Heritage to succeeding generations and undergoing adoptions, modifications, and changes in the process. A collective term for group displaying uniform characteristics. Study free AP Human Geography flashcards about APHG: UNIT 3.1 VOCAB created by Mrs.LydiaKirk to improve your grades.

  18. AP Human Geography

    Examples of Geographic Activities for Unit One ... Language terminology - standard language, dialect, groups, families, isogloss, language (family, group, divergence & convergence), Renfrew hypothesis, Indo-European languages; Language theories & diffusion - agricultural, dispersal & conquest theories ... AP Human Geography: Thursday, May 4 ...

  19. PDF The Convergence Hypothesis: History, Theory, and Evidence

    The sources of convergence. Abramovitz and David (1996: 21) provide a succinct definition of the conver-gence hypothesis, "Under certain conditions, being behind gives a productivity laggard the ability to grow faster than the early leader. This is the main con-tention of the 'convergence hypothesis'.''.

  20. Cultural Convergence Overview & Examples

    What are three examples of cultural convergence? The spread of the English language is the largest example of cultural convergence. Because of the economic impact of the United States and Great ...

  21. AP Human Geography Vocab Chapter 6 Flashcards

    global language. the language used most commonly around the world; defined on the basis of either the number of speakers of the language, or the prevalence of use in commerce and trade. place. the fourth theme of Geography as defined by the GENIP; uniqueness of a location. toponym.

  22. Perspectives on Cultural Geography in AP ® Human Geography

    This article provides an overview of selected current concerns in cultural geography and the way it is taught. It includes coverage of cultural convergence and divergence, race and gender as culturally defined topics, and best teaching practices, including those related to analyzing controversial issues.

  23. PDF AP Human Geography Guide

    %PDF-1.7 %µµµµ 1 0 obj >/Metadata 2717 0 R/ViewerPreferences 2718 0 R>> endobj 2 0 obj > endobj 3 0 obj >/ExtGState >/Font >/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC ...