Many inhabitants from a small city in Brazil have migrated to New York. Young students in the city learn English and most of them plan to move to New York City one day. What term might anthropologists use to describe how several factors have created a culture in which migration has become a way of life?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Cumulative causation refers to a process in which several factors compound over time to create a particular cultural pattern or practice. In this case, the factors that have led to a culture of migration in this small city in Brazil could include economic opportunities in New York, social networks that facilitate migration, and a history of migration within families and communities. This pattern has become self-reinforcing, as more and more people move to New York, creating a larger network of support for future migrants.

Many Inhabitants from a Small City in Brazil Have Migrated