Which term describes the spread of ideas and technologies from one culture to another?

Cultural diffusion is the term that describes the process through which ideas, values, and technologies from one culture spread to another. This can occur through various means, such as trade, migration, or communication. For instance, the introduction of agricultural practices from one region to another often results in significant changes in how communities produce food and interact with their environments.

Cultural diffusion highlights the dynamic nature of cultures as they interact and influence each other, shaping social norms, practices, and technologies. This process can lead to syncretism, where elements from multiple cultures blend together to form new practices or beliefs, enhancing cultural diversity.

Globalization refers more broadly to the economic, political, and social interdependence of countries, often driven by advancements in technology and communication, rather than the specific transmission of cultural elements. Urbanization deals specifically with the movement of populations into cities and the growth of urban areas, while colonization involves the control and domination of one culture by another, often through forceful means.