Which term refers to the exchange of ideas and customs between different cultures?

The term that refers to the exchange of ideas and customs between different cultures is cultural diffusion. This process involves the sharing and spreading of cultural practices, beliefs, technologies, and innovations from one group to another. Cultural diffusion occurs through various means, such as trade, migration, and communication, facilitating a blend of cultural elements that can significantly enrich societies.

Cultural appropriation, on the other hand, often refers to the adoption of elements of one culture by members of another culture, which can carry nuances of power dynamics and respect. Cultural assimilation describes the process where individuals or groups from one culture come to adopt the practices and values of another culture, often leading to a loss of their original cultural identity. Cultural integration involves combining different cultural groups into a unified society, which is a broader concept than the specific exchange represented by cultural diffusion. This distinction helps clarify the unique role that cultural diffusion plays in promoting diversity and intercultural exchange.