Cultural divergence refers to the phenomenon where distinct cultures evolve and separate over time, taking different paths in terms of beliefs and values.
This can occur as a result of factors including geographical seclusion, social, and technological change.
Cultural divergence often results in the development of unique beliefs, practices, and traditions that differentiate one culture from another. For instance, over time, the indigenous tribes of the Amazon rainforest developed distinct languages, rituals, and art forms as they split off into their own groups.
Meet your Teacher: This article was written by Dr. Chris Drew (PhD), a university professor who teaches the sociology of education. The article was peer-reviewed by Dr. Kamalpreet Singh. Learn more about Chris Drew here. Cultural Divergence: Definition and Overview
Cultural divergence refers to the process through which different cultures develop distinct characteristics, values, beliefs, and practices over time (Hay & Couldry, 2011).
Cultural divergence manifests in numerous facets of human societies, such as language, faith, traditions, artistic expressions and social structures.
It is ostensibly a natural outcome of the diverse historical experiences that shape human civilizations (Rubenstein & Healy, 2014).
However, it plays a significant role in shaping global conflict as nations with contrasting cultural identities often have conflicting interests or ideologies.
Understanding and respecting cultural divergence is essential for fostering tolerance and respect among people from different backgrounds.
Factors Contributing to Cultural Divergence
- Geographical Isolation: Physical barriers like mountains or oceans can separate populations leading to limited interaction between them (Kobayashi, 2019). Over time, these isolated groups develop unique cultural traits due to their specific environmental conditions and experiences.
- Historical Events: Wars, invasions, or colonization can lead to the imposition of new cultures upon existing ones resulting in a mix of both old and new traditions eventually giving rise to distinct subcultures within larger societies (Rubenstein & Healy, 2014).
- Economic Factors: Differences in economic systems (capitalism vs socialism) or levels of development (industrialized vs agrarian economies) can create disparities in lifestyle choices which may influence culture significantly over time.
- Social Structures: Variations in family structure (nuclear vs extended families), gender roles, or caste systems contribute towards shaping distinctive customs within communities across regions (Ritzer & Dean, 2015).
- Religious Beliefs: Different religious beliefs and practices can lead to the development of separate cultural identities (Rubenstein & Healy, 2014). For example, Islamic societies have specific dietary restrictions, dress codes, and prayer rituals that set them apart from other cultures.
In addition to these factors, technological advancements like mass media or internet platforms also play a role in shaping cultural divergence by enabling people from different parts of the world to access diverse ideas and perspectives.
However, this exposure may also result in cultural convergence, where elements of various cultures blend together, creating hybrid forms (see also: examples of syncretic cultures).
The Role of Language in Cultural Divergence
Changing language forms is one of the most significant aspects contributing towards cultural divergence as it reflects unique thought processes and values inherent within a particular community.
Over time, languages evolve due to external influences such as migration or trade resulting in distinct dialects or entirely new languages being formed (Yeganeh, 2017).
This linguistic diversity further reinforces differences between cultures making communication more challenging among people who do not share a common language.
Understanding this phenomenon helps us appreciate the uniqueness each culture brings while fostering mutual respect among individuals belonging to different backgrounds (Rubenstein & Healy, 2014).
Key Takeaway: Cultural divergence is the process by which different cultures develop distinct characteristics, values, beliefs and practices over time due to various factors such as geographical isolation, historical events, economic factors and social structures. Language plays a significant role in cultural divergence as it reflects unique thought processes and values inherent within a particular community. Understanding this phenomenon helps foster mutual respect among individuals belonging to different backgrounds.15 Cultural Divergence Examples
1. Indigenous Tribes in the Amazon Rainforest: Indigenous tribes in remote areas like the Amazon rainforest have developed their own languages and traditions that differ significantly from those found in other parts of the world. This is due to their geographical separation from other cultures.
2. North Korea and South Korea: The division between North Korea and South Korea following World War II serves as an example of cultural divergence due to historical events. While both countries share a common history before the war’s end in 1945, today they have vastly different political systems leading to contrasting societal norms.
3. Language Differences in Africa: Linguistic differences are a significant factor contributing to cultural divergence. In Africa, there are over 2,000 distinct languages spoken across the continent, leading to the development of unique customs and traditions within different ethnic groups.
4. The Amish: The Amish community in North America has maintained their traditional way of life while mainstream American society changed with the emergence of modern technologies. As a result, Amish and mainstream American cultures have increasingly diverged over time.
5. The Maasai: This ethnic group in Kenya and Tanzania has preserved their unique customs and dress despite increasing modernization in the region, leading to divergence between modernized and traditional cultures in the region.
6. The Inuit: The Inuit people of the Arctic have adapted to their harsh environment with unique hunting and survival techniques, while mainstream Canadian and American cultures lost this strong connection with culture.
7. The Hutterites: Similar to the Amish, this religious group in North America has maintained their traditional way of life and communal living, diverging from mainstream North American culture.
8. The Roma: Also known as Gypsies, this ethnic group has a distinct language, culture, and nomadic lifestyle that sets them apart from mainstream European society.
9. The Tibetans: This ethnic group in China has a unique religion, language, and cultural practices that have been threatened by Chinese government policies. While they have worked hard to maintain their culture, mainstream and governmental Chinese cultures have discouraged such a strong divergence.
10. The Basque: This ethnic group in Spain and France has a distinct language and cultural identity that has led to separatist movements in the region. As the gap between their culture and mainstream Spanish and French cultures widens, political conflict will continue.
11. The Sami: This indigenous group in Scandinavia has a unique language and cultural practices that have been threatened by assimilation policies, but also represents a case where traditional and modern cultures diverged.
12. The Yanomami: This indigenous group in the Amazon rainforest has a unique social structure and way of life that has been threatened by deforestation and mining.
13. The Ainu: This indigenous group in Japan has a distinct language and cultural practices that are increasingly distinct from Japan’s hyper-technological culture.
14. The Kurds: This ethnic group in the Middle East has a distinct language and culture that has led to separatist movements and political conflicts in the region. The Kurds hope to maintain their strong culture while they diverge from the surrounding cultures of the Turks and Arabs.
15. The Aboriginal Australians: This indigenous group has a unique history, culture, and art that has been recognized and protected by the government. This is an example of a culture that aims to maintain its distinct identity and stay ‘divergent’ from mainstream Australian culture.
Impact of Cultural Divergence
Cultural divergence can have both positive and negative impacts on societies. On one hand, it can lead to increased understanding between cultures as people learn about each other’s customs and beliefs.
Conversely, cultural divergence can lead to clashes between various factions as they grapple with reconciling their disparate values and ideologies.
Positive Impacts of Cultural Divergence
- Promotes cultural diversity: As cultures diverge from one another, they develop unique characteristics that contribute to a more diverse world (Yeganeh, 2017). This diversity enriches our global community by fostering creativity, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange.
- Fosters mutual respect: When people are exposed to different cultural practices and perspectives through travel or education, they often gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of human experience (Rubenstein & Healy, 2014). This newfound understanding may encourage greater tolerance and respect for others’ ways of life.
- Inspires new ideas: Encountering distinct cultures often sparks inspiration in various fields such as art, music, literature, science, or technology; leading individuals or groups from different backgrounds collaborating on groundbreaking projects (Yeganeh, 2017).
Negative Impacts of Cultural Divergence
- Misunderstandings & stereotypes: Lack of knowledge about another culture’s customs might result in misunderstandings or perpetuation of harmful stereotypes which could hinder effective communication among diverse populations (Yeganeh, 2017).
- Social divisions & discrimination: Differences in language barriers may create social divisions within communities where minority languages are spoken less frequently. This can lead to discrimination and marginalization of minority groups.
- Conflict & violence: Cultural divergence may contribute to tensions between different cultural or ethnic groups, potentially leading to violent conflicts as seen in various parts of the world (Rubenstein & Healy, 2014).
Mitigating Negative Impacts and Promoting Positive Outcomes
To minimize the negative consequences of cultural divergence while maximizing its benefits, societies must actively promote understanding, tolerance, and respect for diverse cultures. Some ways this can be achieved include:
- Educational initiatives: Incorporating multicultural education into school curricula helps students develop an appreciation for other cultures while dispelling stereotypes and misconceptions (Rubenstein & Healy, 2014).
- Cultural exchange programs: Programs such as study abroad opportunities or international volunteer experiences allow individuals to immerse themselves in another culture firsthand, fostering mutual understanding and respect (Kobayashi, 2019).
- Promoting inclusive policies & practices: Governments should adopt laws that protect minority rights while encouraging equal access to resources like education or healthcare regardless of one’s background. Workplaces should also implement diversity training programs aimed at creating a more inclusive environment for all employees (Kobayashi, 2019).
Key Takeaway: Cultural divergence can have positive impacts such as promoting diversity, mutual respect, and inspiring new ideas. However, it can also lead to negative consequences like misunderstandings, social divisions, discrimination, conflict and violence. To mitigate the negative effects of cultural divergence while maximizing its benefits societies must actively promote understanding and tolerance through educational initiatives and cultural exchange programs while implementing inclusive policies in workplaces and governments.Cultural Divergence Theory vs Cultural Convergence Theory
Some scholars, particularly Jenkins (2006), argue that the world’s cultures are in fact converging rather than diverging.
Whereas cultural divergence refers to cultures increasingly separating over time, cultural convergence refers instead to the process by which different cultures adopt similar characteristics, ideas, or practices.
Globalization scholars often explore the ways globalization – with its increased interaction, communication, and trade – dilutes local cultures and creates a homogenized global culture (Kobayashi, 2019).
| Aspect | Cultural Convergence | Cultural Divergence |
| Definition | 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). |
| Impact on Culture | 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). |
| Effect on Globalization | 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. |
| Challenges | Can result in the erosion of cultural identity, the rise of transnationalism, overshadowing of local customs, and concerns about cultural imperialism. | May lead to misunderstandings, prejudice, and conflicts between different cultural groups. |
| Benefits | 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). |
Note From Chris: For an essay on cultural divergence, it’s worth also looking into the concepts of McDonaldization (where cultures are increasingly rationalized and westernized) and Glocalization (where cultures adopt elements of global culture but sustain their unique cultures).Conclusion
Cultural divergence refers to the process by which different cultures become increasingly dissimilar over time. Such divergences can have profound implications for our societies, bringing both advantages and disadvantages.
It is important for us to understand these examples of cultural differences so that we may appreciate the diversity that exists within our world today. By recognizing and respecting these differences, we can work towards building a more inclusive global community where everyone feels valued and understood.
References
Hay, J., & Couldry, N. (2011). Re-thinking convergence/culture. Cultural Studies, 25(4–5), 473–486. https://doi.org/10.1080/09502386.2011.600527
Jenkins, H. (2006). Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide. NYU Press.
Kobayashi, A. (2019). International encyclopedia of human geography. Elsevier.
Ritzer, G., & Dean, P. (2015). Globalization: A basic text. John Wiley & Sons.
Rubenstein, J. M., & Healy, M. (2014). The cultural landscape: An introduction to human geography. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson.
Yeganeh, K. H. (2017). Major Sociocultural Trends Shaping the Contemporary World. New York: Business Expert Press.
Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]
This article was co-authored by Kamalpreet Gill Singh, PhD. Dr. Gill has a PhD in Sociology and has published academic articles in reputed international peer-reviewed journals. He holds a Master’s degree in Politics and International Relations and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science.