The spreading of a culture from one society to another is known as cultural diffusion. As discussed earlier culture comprises of material and non-material components. Non-material components of culture includes, ideas, values, beliefs and norms whereas, material components of culture are architecture, technology, means of transportation and means of production. However, spreading or integration of material and non-material cultural components of one society to another is called cultural diffusion.
Beliefs of individuals in a given society is commonly the reflection of their adhered religion. Religious cultural diffusion examples can be found in modern as well as medieval societies. In 700 A.D the religion of Islam was adhered only in Middle Eastern countries, but currently it is spread all over the world. Twenty percent of world population follow the religion of Islam. Another good example of religion diffusion is Christianity, which initiated in Israel and now it is the most spread religion of the world. In the early ages culture can be diffused by, invasion and trade but in modern era technology plays an important role in spreading of culture from one region to another. Islam spread in India after the invasion of Arabs in 712 AD. Preacher used to go door to door and preach their religion (Islam). Currently, technological advancement have made preachers life easy. Mostly religious scholars preach religion via electronic, print and internet media. Culture can be spread through migration, trade and commerce as well.
