Practice Questions on Cultural Convergence and Divergence

📚 Topic Summary

Cultural convergence describes how different cultures come together and become more alike, often through the exchange of ideas, technologies, and customs. Think of how McDonald's exists in almost every country, but with slight menu variations catering to local tastes. On the other hand, cultural divergence is when cultures become more different from each other, often due to geographical separation, political ideologies, or religious beliefs. An example is how North and South Korea, once a unified culture, have diverged significantly due to different political systems.

🌍 Part A: Vocabulary

Match the following terms with their definitions:

1. Term: Cultural Convergence
2. Term: Cultural Divergence
3. Term: Globalization
4. Term: Cultural Diffusion
5. Term: Glocalization

1. Definition: The spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another.
2. Definition: The increasing interconnectedness and interdependence of countries worldwide through trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
3. Definition: The adaptation of global products or ideas to suit local tastes or cultures.
4. Definition: The process by which cultures become more similar due to increased interaction and exchange.
5. Definition: The process by which cultures become more dissimilar due to various factors like geographic isolation or political differences.

Answers: 1-4, 2-5, 3-2, 4-1, 5-3

✏️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the paragraph using the words: technology, culture, isolation, convergence, divergence.

The spread of _______ often leads to cultural _______ as different societies interact and adopt new ideas. However, factors like geographic _______ or strict political control can result in cultural _______, where societies become increasingly distinct. Understanding these processes is crucial in a world shaped by _______.

Answers: culture, convergence, isolation, divergence, technology

🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking

Provide a real-world example (different from those already discussed above) of cultural convergence and a real-world example of cultural divergence. Explain the factors that contributed to each.