Diffusion (political science)

In comparative political science, diffusion describes the spread of political phenomena through contact between societies . However, this only happens on the basis of functional relationships, the prerequisite for the transfer of a given condition from one society to another. For example, democratic elements can be 'copied' across cultural boundaries. In this context, functional relationships are prerequisites that must be given in society so that democratic structures can be established, such as a high level of education and a certain level of prosperity .

The so-called Galton problem is derived from diffusion . This denotes a diffusion that is not based on functional relationships, but in which the observed phenomenon is based on a common cause in both societies. The British naturalist Francis Galton first noticed this problem in a study by the English anthropologist Edward Tylor .

See also

• Inculturation
• Syncretism
• Diffusion theory
• Diffusionism

literature

• Rogers, Everett M .: Diffusion of Innovations . 5th edition, Free Press, New York 2005.
• Jahn, Detlef: Introduction to Comparative Political Science . Wiesbaden 2006.
• Tews, Kerstin; Jänicke, Martin (Ed.): The Diffusion of Environmental Policy Innovations in the International System . VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften, Wiesbaden 2005.