Glossary
Absolute location
The precise, fixed spot on Earth defined by coordinates like latitude and longitude, which never changes.
Example:
The absolute location of the Eiffel Tower is 48.8584° N, 2.2945° E, a point that remains constant on any map.
Contagious Diffusion
A rapid, widespread type of expansion diffusion where a characteristic spreads quickly throughout a population or area, much like a disease, without regard for social status or hierarchy.
Example:
The rapid spread of a viral internet meme across social media platforms, reaching millions in a short time, is a classic case of contagious diffusion.
Diffusion
The process by which ideas, practices, innovations, or characteristics spread from one place to another over time.
Example:
The global spread of K-Pop music is a prime example of cultural diffusion across continents.
Expansion Diffusion
The spread of a characteristic from one place to another in a snowballing process, where the idea or trait remains strong in its origin while also spreading outwards.
Example:
The global adoption of smartphones, originating in a few tech hubs and spreading worldwide, illustrates expansion diffusion.
Hierarchical Diffusion
A type of expansion diffusion where an idea or innovation spreads from a central, influential place or person to other important places or people, and then down the social or spatial hierarchy.
Example:
A new fashion trend often starts with designers in major cities like Milan or Paris and then undergoes hierarchical diffusion to smaller cities and eventually mass markets.
Place
A location with unique human and physical characteristics that give it meaning and a distinct identity.
Example:
Paris is more than just coordinates; it's a place defined by its romantic atmosphere, iconic architecture, and vibrant culture.
Relative location
Describes where a place is in relation to other places, using landmarks or directional descriptions, and can change based on context.
Example:
The relative location of your favorite coffee shop might be 'across the street from the library' or 'two blocks north of the park'.
Relocation Diffusion
The spread of an idea or characteristic that occurs when people physically move and carry their cultural traits with them to a new location.
Example:
When immigrants from Italy moved to the United States, they brought their culinary traditions, leading to the relocation diffusion of pizza.
Stimulus Diffusion
A type of expansion diffusion where the underlying principle or idea spreads, but the specific form or characteristic is adapted and modified to fit local conditions or cultures.
Example:
While McDonald's is a global brand, its menu in India includes vegetarian options like the McAloo Tikki burger, demonstrating stimulus diffusion where the fast-food concept is adapted to local tastes.
Time and distance decay
The principle that the farther away something is in space or time, the less influence or interaction it will have.
Example:
The excitement over a new viral dance trend might experience time and distance decay, fading faster in areas further from its origin or as weeks pass.