How is "culture change" defined in anthropology?

Culture change in anthropology is defined as the modification of cultural elements over time due to internal innovations or external influences. This definition acknowledges that cultures are not static; they continuously evolve through various processes. Internal innovations can include new ideas, technologies, or social practices developed within a society, while external influences may arise from contact with other cultures, such as trade, migration, or colonization.

This dynamic understanding of culture change highlights that cultures adapt and transform in response to a range of factors, which can lead to significant shifts in beliefs, practices, values, and social structures. Unlike the preservation of cultural elements, which focuses on maintaining traditions, culture change recognizes the inevitability of evolution in response to both internal growth and external pressures. It also distinguishes itself from the rejection of old practices, emphasizing that change can be incremental and not necessarily a complete break with the past. Additionally, the introduction of foreign elements without alteration does not represent culture change, as it implies the absence of adaptation or integration, which is central to the concept of culture change in anthropology.