Cultural Diffusion, Space-Time Compression and the Limitations on Spatial Interaction
Izzy Roshko
AP Human Geography
September 9, 2013
“Globalization in a Bottle” and “The Tipping Point-- Three Rules of Epidemics”
Chapter 1 Basic Concepts
Essay Question: How do the two articles relate to Chapter One: Basic Concepts through cultural diffusion, the limitation of spatial interaction, and space-time compression?
Whilst reading “Globalization in a Bottle” and “The Tipping Point-- Three Rules of Epidemics” three key concepts of “Chapter One: Basic Concepts” become inherently apparent: cultural diffusion, the limitation of spatial interaction, and space-time compression. The two articles clearly depict these three theories, through their choice use of real world examples. In each of these articles, cultural diffusion is a steady theme throughout. World War II marked the diffusion of Coca-Cola on a global scale, as stated in “Globalization in a Bottle.” The physical movement of soldiers from the US to other parts of the globe facilitated the spread and globalization of the drink and furthermore the brand name. When soldiers were shipped off to foreign lands so was Coca-Cola, and so it became a universal term. This action of spreading an idea through movement earns this incident a spot under the category of relocation diffusion. In “The Tipping Point-- Three Rules of Epidemics” hush-puppies become popular once more through contagious diffusion, a subcategory of expansion diffusion, meaning an idea spread through rapid and widespread contact. The origin of this so-called “epidemic” is believed to have originated among the urban “hipsters” of downtown Manhattan. These young trendsetters would go out to clubs or just simply be seen wearing these shoes and suddenly everyone wanted a pair. Diffusion is a large concept covered throughout these articles. Another underlying idea covered in the extent of the two articles is the limitation of spatial interaction—the interaction of people whether through physical contact or by other means of
AP Human Geography
September 9, 2013
“Globalization in a Bottle” and “The Tipping Point-- Three Rules of Epidemics”
Chapter 1 Basic Concepts
Essay Question: How do the two articles relate to Chapter One: Basic Concepts through cultural diffusion, the limitation of spatial interaction, and space-time compression?
Whilst reading “Globalization in a Bottle” and “The Tipping Point-- Three Rules of Epidemics” three key concepts of “Chapter One: Basic Concepts” become inherently apparent: cultural diffusion, the limitation of spatial interaction, and space-time compression. The two articles clearly depict these three theories, through their choice use of real world examples. In each of these articles, cultural diffusion is a steady theme throughout. World War II marked the diffusion of Coca-Cola on a global scale, as stated in “Globalization in a Bottle.” The physical movement of soldiers from the US to other parts of the globe facilitated the spread and globalization of the drink and furthermore the brand name. When soldiers were shipped off to foreign lands so was Coca-Cola, and so it became a universal term. This action of spreading an idea through movement earns this incident a spot under the category of relocation diffusion. In “The Tipping Point-- Three Rules of Epidemics” hush-puppies become popular once more through contagious diffusion, a subcategory of expansion diffusion, meaning an idea spread through rapid and widespread contact. The origin of this so-called “epidemic” is believed to have originated among the urban “hipsters” of downtown Manhattan. These young trendsetters would go out to clubs or just simply be seen wearing these shoes and suddenly everyone wanted a pair. Diffusion is a large concept covered throughout these articles. Another underlying idea covered in the extent of the two articles is the limitation of spatial interaction—the interaction of people whether through physical contact or by other means of