What concept describes the process by which cultural elements are adopted across societies?

The concept that describes the process by which cultural elements are adopted across societies is cultural diffusion. Cultural diffusion occurs when various cultural elements—such as beliefs, values, practices, technologies, or artifacts—are spread from one society to another. This process can happen through various means, including trade, migration, conquest, and communication. The interaction between different cultures often leads to the exchange of ideas and practices, thereby enriching the cultural landscape of societies involved.

In contrast, social stratification refers to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals or groups in a society based on factors like wealth, power, and prestige, but it does not inherently involve the exchange of cultural elements. Culture shock describes the feelings of disorientation experienced when encountering an unfamiliar culture, and cultural assimilation involves the process by which individuals or groups from one culture adopt the customs and practices of another, often leading to a loss of their original cultural identity. While cultural assimilation might occur as a result of cultural diffusion, it is not the process itself. Therefore, cultural diffusion is the most accurate term for the described phenomenon of cultural adoption across societies.