Mr.

Potter - AP Human Geography Name: _________________

Due: August 14​th​, 2019 Period X

Chapter 4 – Folk and Popular Culture:​ ​pp 142 - 175

KEY ISSUE 1: WHERE ARE FOLK AND POPULAR LEISURE
ACTIVITIES DISTRIBUTED?
Culture​ = body of material traits, customary beliefs, and social forms
making up the traditions of a group. ​Habit​ = repetitive act that an individual
performs, ​Custom​ = repetitive act of a group of people, becomes a
characteristic of said group (can be thought of as a habit widely adopted by
Habit can be a student a group). Collection of social customs produces material culture of a group.
tending to wear jeans
everyday, a custom can be 4.1.1 INTRODUCING FOLK AND POPULAR CULTURE
many students wearing Two types of culture that typically differ in processes of origin, diffusion
jeans to class and distribution:
- Folk culture​ is traditionally practiced primarily by small
homogeneous groups living in isolated rural areas
- Popular culture​ is found in large, heterogeneous societies that share
certain habits despite differences in personal characteristics
Folk culture is more likely to vary from place to place at a given time
(change little over time), popular culture is more likely to vary from time to
time at a given place (rapid diffusion/changes). Popular culture dominance
threatens local diversity/difference in backgrounds and quality of
environment
Popular culture arises from
combination of industrial 4.1.2 ORIGIN, DIFFUSION AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOLK AND
advances and increased POPULAR CULTURE
leisure time Distribution is more extensive for popular culture than folk culture
Origin: ​Culture originates at a hearth/center of innovation:
Ex. diffusion of hip hop - Folk culture usually has anonymous hearths/originating sources,
from the Bronx to unknown dates and unknown originators. May have multiple
Philadelphia in the 1970s, hearths, originating independently in isolated locations
then gradually the rest of - Popular culture usually is traceable to a specific person/corporation
the world, where local in a specific place, found most in developed countries
cultural styles influence Diffusion:
music from the original - Folk culture is transmitted from one location to the other slowly and
Bronx hearth on a small scale (mostly through relocation diffusion, ex. migration)
- Popular culture spreads through a process of hierarchical diffusion,
diffusing rapidly & extensively with the help of modern
Buddhists, Hindus, communications
Muslims and Folk Distribution: ​Popular culture is distributed widely in many countries, little
religionists from the regard of physical factors, (main obstacle to access is lack of income to
Himlayas have distinctive purchase materials). Folk culture distribution is affected by physical &
folk customs despite spatial cultural factors, (limited interactions, distance…) ex. distribution of artistic
proximity subjects in the Himalayas show how folk customs are influenced by
religion, climate, landforms and vegetation.
 Mr. Potter - AP Human Geography
Due: August 14​th​, 2019
Culture regions are often
vernacular, though can be
formal or functional.
(regions of supporters of
sports teams can be
functional, as percentage of
supporters increase near
where the team plays.)
“Kick the Dane’s Head” if
true, is quite a graphic start
to such a popular sport
today
Younger boys later adopted
the game and used an
inflated cow bladder as a
ball
Sport also became a subject
taught in school around this
time
Sports like American
football and baseball do not
meet such requirements
and are not included in the
olympics
Name: _________________
Period X
4.1.3 GEOGRAPHIC DIFFERENCES BETWEEN FOLK AND
POPULAR CULTURE
Region covered by folk is usually much smaller than region covered by
popular culture, due to lack of connections...a group’s distinctive culture
derives from experiencing local and physical conditions separate from other
groups.
4.1.4 ORIGIN AND DIFFUSION OF FOLK AND POPULAR MUSIC
Folk Music: ​Folk songs typically originate anonymously and transmit
orally, allowing for modifications from generation to generation based on
changing conditions (content is based around aspects of daily life… ex.
birth, death, marriage, agriculture, climate, environment)
Popular Music:​ Written by specific individuals to be sold/performed, pop
musicians tend to cluster in communities where other musicians
reside/large metropolitan areas, in order to be near employment
opportunities/activities... regional variations can be observed in preferences
of popular music.
4.1.5 ORIGIN AND DIFFUSION OF FOLK AND POPULAR
SPORTS
Most sports originated as isolated folk customs and diffused through
migration of individuals, however contemporary diffusion of organized
sports display characteristics of popular culture.
Folk Culture: Origin of Soccer: ​Origin of soccer is obscure, originating as
folk custom in England during the early 11th century and transformed into
part of global popular culture in the 19th century
Popular Culture: Diffusion of Soccer: ​Organization of football into a
formal structure in the UK marks its transition from folk to popular. In the
1800s, recreation clubs were founded (mainly by churches) to provide
factory workers with organized recreation...increasing leisure time allowed
for more participants/viewers, increasing incomes allowed for paid
first-class events...leading professional players hired by clubs. In 1863,
British football clubs joined to form an association, standardizing rules and
organizing leagues. The sport diffused globally first by British citizens to
nearing countries, then rapidly through communication systems (ex. TV) in
the 20th century
Olympic Sports:​ To be in the summer olympics, a sport must be widely
practiced in at least 75 countries (50 for women) and across 4 continents.
Surviving Folk Sports:​ Cultural groups still have own preferred sports, ex.
cricket in UK & former UK colonies, wushu in China, baseball in
Japan/North America, Lacrosse in US communities (originating from the
Iroquois)...But despite diversity in distribution & anonymous origin, all
organized spectator sports are part of popular culture, though can still be a
strong force for cultural and regional identity.
 Mr. Potter - AP Human Geography Name: _________________
Due: August 14​th​, 2019 Period X

Summary
Folk and popular culture have different patterns of origin, diffusion and distribution, with folk tending to
have anonymous origins, diffuse through relocation diffusion (migration) and have limited distribution.
Popular music and sports tend to originate with identifiable individuals/corporations, diffuse rapidly
through hierarchical diffusion and have widespread distribution.

KEY ISSUE 2: WHERE ARE FOLK AND POPULAR MATERIAL

CULTURE DISTRIBUTED?
Material culture = necessities of life: clothing, food and shelter...same as
leisure, folk material elements have unknown/multiple origins among
groups in relative isolation & diffuse slowly through relocation diffusion.
Popular materials vary in time more than place with access depending on
individual’s income.

4.2.1 ELEMENTS OF MATERIAL CULTURE

Never though of wine
production in terms of
geography before, but it is
a very interesting
discussion
The conditions of soil for
these grapes are not
necessarily fertile for other
crops
Social custom of wine
production in France/Italy
extends back to the Roman
Empire and spread to the
Western Hemisphere
(colonized by Europeans)
France and Belgium
prohibit women from
wearing hijabs/niqabs/
Folk culture is more likely to be influenced by environmental conditions,
though popular culture isn’t immune. Folk and popular culture may come
into conflict with each other.
Wine Geography:​ Spatial distribution of wine production shows the
influence of both environmental and cultural elements… as grapes best for
wine grow better in some places, though today wine is primarily made in
locations with traditions of producing/consuming and with people who can
afford it.
Wine Production: Environmental Factors: ​Distinctive character of a
wine derives from vineyard’s terroir (soil, climate, topography, etc.)
- Climate: vineyards are best in moderately cold climates with rainy
winters (to foster plant diseases to cause rotting) and relatively long,
hot summers (to mature properly)
- Topography: usually on hillsides (maximizes sun exposure and
helps with drainage), rivers/lakes nearby is desirable (temper
extremes of temperature)
- Soil: best wine is produced from grapes in coarse/well drained soil
Wine Production: Cultural Factors:​ Production is based principally on
cultural values (historical & contemporary), diffusion of wine production
shows diffusion of popular customs depends less on distinctive
environment and more on cultural values or the presence of
beliefs/institutions/material traits fit for accepting certain customs (ex. wine
production is discouraged in regions dominated by religions other than
Christianity... Hindus/Muslims avoid alcoholic beverages)
Conflicting Folk and Popular Cultural Values:​ Wearing popular clothing
in countries dominated by folk style clothing may be controversial (and
vice versa). Ex. the coexistence of loose-fitting body/head covering veils
 Mr. Potter - AP Human Geography Name: _________________
Due: August 14​th​, 2019 Period X

burqas in public while traditionally worn by women in Southwest Asia/North Africa

countries like Saudi Arabia,
Iran and Sudan enforce
such dress codes with
violence or legal
prosecution
For instance, designs
created in Paris, Milan,
London or New York are
reproduced in large
factories in Asia, then
resold at chain stores
(hijabs/niqabs/burqas) with Western style popular clothing which can be
more revealing.
4.2.2 FOLK AND POPULAR CLOTHING
In folk culture, clothing is traditionally worn in part as a response to
distinctive agricultural practices/climate conditions. In popular culture,
clothing preferences reflect occupations rather than environments.
Folk Clothing Preferences:​ Folk clothing is worn for a variety of
environmental/cultural reasons, ex. wooden shoes in Netherlands to combat
wet climate. Increased travel/media have exposed places to other forms of
dress...continued use of folk costumes in some places persists not because
of environment/tradition but to preserve the past/attract tourists
Rapid Diffusion of Popular Clothing Styles:​ Individual clothing habits
reveal how popular culture can be distributed across landscape with little
regard for distinctive physical cultures: - Occupation (a lawyer in New
York is more likely to dress like a lawyer in California than like a factory
worker in New York), - Income (color, shape and design of dresses change
to imitate pieces created by clothing designers, those with sufficient income
may update their wardrobe frequently with the latest fashions)...improved
communications permitted rapid diffusion of clothing styles from one
region to another (speed is essential as tastes change quickly)

4.2.3 FOLK FOOD CUSTOMS

Food preferences are affected by availability of products, but also strongly
People adapt their food influenced by cultural traditions (establishes one’s social, religious and
preferences to conditions in ethic memberships)
the environment, ex. in asia Food and the Environment: ​Folk food habits are strongly influenced by
rice is grown in milder, the environment, mostly eating plants/animals from the region (inhabitants
moister regions whereas must consider soil, climate, terrain, vegetation...etc. of an environment).
wheat thrives in colder, Terroir​ = contribution of a location’s distinctive physical features to the
drier regions way food tastes (sum of the effects of soil/climate/other characteristics on a
particular food item), food preferences are adapted to conditions in the
Food taboos mostly are in environment… certain foods are consumed in folk culture because of
place because of natural properties that are seen to enhance desirable qualities (the Abipone
environmental reasons people in Paraguay eating bulls/jaguars/stags to make them strong/swift).
(Muslims not wanting to Food Taboos: ​Many folk cultures believe everything in nature carries a
widespread raising of pigs signature characteristic based on appearance/natural properties, causing
as they would compete for people to avoid certain foods in response to perceived beneficial/harmful
resources without giving in natural traits, may also be due to reasons regarding their environment.
return) Taboo​ = A restriction on behavior imposed by religious law/ social custom

4.2.4 POPULAR FOOD PREFERENCES

Popular food preferences are influenced more by cultural values than by
 Mr. Potter - AP Human Geography Name: _________________
Due: August 14​th​, 2019 Period X

In Canada, Coke is environmental features (still remains important in selected items)

preferred except in Quebec,
where there is a large
French Canadian
population
Jean Brunhes: viewed the
house as being essential to
HG, is a product of cultural 4.2.5 FOLK AND POPULAR HOUSING
traditions and natural Folk Housing: ​Distinctive environmental/cultural features influence the
conditions provision of housing in folk cultures
Fred Kniffen: the house is a
reflection of cultural
heritage, current fashion,
functional needs and the
impact of environment
Regional Differences: Global Scale: ​Ex. Coca-Cola and Pepsi having
different sales pattern globally based on marketing strategies (Pepsi tying
its brand to elements of French Canadian culture) /previous affiliations
(following end of Communism, Coke entered Russian market leading
Russians to switch to Coke, as Pepsi was associated with the Communist
government/past)
Regional Differences: U.S. Snack and Fast Food:​ Variations in food
preferences across regions of a country can be attributed to cultural or
environmental factors… (Utah has low rate of consumption of alcohol
because of a concentration of members of the Church of Jesus Christ),
Americans may chose particular foods in part on the basis of preference for
what is produced/grown/ imported locally (Southerners prefer pork rinds as
more hogs are raised there, Northerners may prefer popcorn/potato chips as
more corn/potatoes are grown there) Some regional variations can not be
clearly linked to certain factors (concentration of McDonald’s, as it varies
among states)
- Environmental Influences: Materials of folk houses is partially
influenced by the resources available, style of construction can also
be influenced (pitched roof in wet/snowy climates to reduce weight
of accumulated snow)
- Cultural Influences: Distinctive form of folk houses derive primarily
from religious values/customary beliefs (compass directions-houses
may have sacred walls/corners) In Fiji, eastern walls are considered
sacred. In parts of Java, the front door must face south towards the
South Sea Goddess...etc.
- U.S. Folk Houses: Older houses in the US display local folk culture
traditions...since 1940s houses built show how popular customs vary
more in time than in place

Summary
Regional variations in folk food, clothing and shelter derives from the physical environment, as well as
from religion and other cultural values...Popular preferences in food, clothing and shelter vary more in
time than in place though regional variations in preferences still exists.

KEY ISSUE 3: WHY IS ACCESS TO FOLK AND POPULAR

CULTURE UNEQUAL?
Popular culture diffuses mainly through electronic media, electronic media
 Mr. Potter - AP Human Geography Name: _________________
Due: August 14​th​, 2019 Period X

increases access to popular culture for people who embrace folk culture
(and vice versa)...however distribution of popular culture is not uniform
(limited by lack of income/lack of electricity)

4.3.1 DIFFUSION OF TV AND INTERNET

In the 20th century, TV Distribution and Diffusion of TV: ​Watching TV is important for popular
supplanted other formats of culture because:
media, such as the - Watching TV is the most popular leisure activity (avg. human
radio/telegraph watches 3 hours per day in 2014, Americans 5 per day)
- TV is the most important mechanism by which popular culture
diffuses
Through the second half of the 20th century, TV diffused from US to
Europe to other developed countries then to developing:
- Early twentieth century: Multiple hearths: UK, France, Germany,
Japan, Soviet and US
- Mid-twentieth century: US dominates: US had 86% of the world's
37 million TV sets in 1954
Didn’t realize that as of - Late twentieth century: Diffusion to Europe: Diffused by 1970
1995, access the Internet - Early twenty-first century: Near-universal access: Ownership rates
was still very scarce in climbed sharply in developing countries
most countries including Diffusion of the Internet: ​Distribution and diffusion of Internet service
the developed ones. (Goes follows pattern set by TV, but at a more rapid pace:
to show the extremely rapid - 1995: most countries did not have, US had 63% of the world's users
diffusion of Internet) US - 1995-2000: users increased rapidly, in US users rose from 9% of the
especially surprised me as population to 44%, worldwide increase was greater...share of
only 10-99 people per 1000 world’s users in the US fell from 63% to 35%
population had access to - 2000-2014: in US users increased to 87% of the population, share of
the internet world’s users in the US fell to less than 10%, China now accounts
for 22% of the world's Internet users

4.3.2 DIFFUSION OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Origin of social media followed pattern of electronic media (US
dominance)...however, rate and extent of diffusion remains unseen
Diffusion of Facebook:​ US started with more facebook users than any
other country, in 2009, US had 34% of users worldwide, in 2014 users in
US climbed as well as the rest of the world, (share of users in the US
declined to 10% of worldwide total) (China is absent from the list due to
government restrictions on the use of facebook, preferring similar domestic
networks)
Diffusion of Twitter: ​US accounted for ⅓ of twitter messages in 2014,
another ⅓ from India, Japan, Germany, UK, Brazil and Canada…
Americans dominate trending posts (twitter is still a predominantly
American network)
 Mr. Potter - AP Human Geography Name: _________________
Due: August 14​th​, 2019 Period X

4.3.3 CHALLENGES IN ACCESSING ELECTRONIC MEDIA

Freedom on the Net: Out of 65 countries, 19 were classified as free, 31 as
Google came under fire for partially free, 15 as not free
not display links to Banned Technology:​ Some governments prohibit the sale of certain
websites that the models of phones/tablets/computers, devices permitted must be configured
government in certain to exclude certain applications/technologies...may apply to travellers as
countries do not want well. (China restricts foreign applications, preferring homegrown ones)
citizens to see (Google.cn) Blocked Content:​ Some websites are censored or prevented from being
seen (continues to be a widespread practice with TV), Japan/US/UK
dominance of TV in developing countries (supplying programming) is
viewed by some countries as a new method of economic/cultural
imperialism. To prevent conflict in themes/preserve traditional folk culture,
In Russia, laws have been some networks on TV may be blocked for those countries… Mainly:
enacted since 2012 to block - political content, social content & security content
online content critical of Violated User Rights:​ Governments find it increasingly difficult to stop
the government the diffusion of technology (citizens find ways to circumvent government
In China, individuals are restrictions, such as VPN), leads governments to extremities such as
monitors and those who harassing citizens (imprisonment/violence), women and LGBT community
post anti government are especially targeted for online activity
messages are arrested
KEY ISSUE 4: WHY DO FOLK AND POPULAR CULTURE FACE
SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES?
For folk culture, challenges are to maintain unique local landscapes in the
age of globalization. For popular culture, challenges derive from
sustainability of practices designed to promote uniform landscapes

Summary