What term describes the spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another?

The term that describes the spread of cultural beliefs and social activities from one group to another is cultural diffusion. This concept refers to the process through which cultural elements such as ideas, practices, technologies, and customs are transmitted from one society or cultural group to another. Cultural diffusion can occur through various means, including trade, migration, conquest, and communication.

Cultural diffusion is pivotal in understanding how societies evolve and adapt over time, as it highlights how interactions among different groups can lead to the enrichment and modification of cultures. This movement can lead to the adoption of elements from one culture into another, showcasing the fluidity and interconnectedness of human societies.

In contrast, cultural assimilation involves the absorption of one culture into another, often resulting in the loss of distinct cultural traits in favor of the dominant culture. Cultural exchange denotes reciprocal sharing of cultural aspects between two or more distinct groups, while cultural integration refers to the process of combining elements of different cultures into a coherent whole, but not specifically focusing on the spread from one group to another. The definitions of these alternative terms highlight how they are related but do not capture the essence of the spread of culture as clearly as cultural diffusion does.