Assessing the Impact of Cultural Diffusion on the Culture of Liberia

The apparent influence of cultural diffusion on all societies has emerged as a significant topic of sociological inquiry. The Liberian society is likewise affected by cultural diffusion. The paper has four specific objectives which were to assess evidence of cultural diffusion and its manifestations in Liberia; to identify the major sources and channels of cultural diffusion influencing Liberian culture; to evaluate the positive contributions of cultural diffusion to national development, education and social integration in Liberia; and to examine the negative consequences of cultural diffusion, including cultural erosion, identity crisis, and loss of indigenous knowledge systems. This article uses qualitative research methods, focusing specifically on content analysis and non-participant observation to shed light on cultural diffusion in Liberia. Drawing upon the diffusionist school of thought as its theoretical framework, this paper explores both the beneficial and detrimental effects of cultural diffusion on Liberia’s culture. From the study, it was discovered that: there is empirical evidence of some forms of cultural diffusion in Liberia; globalization and weak culture were the two main factors influencing cultural diffusion in Liberia; the advent of technology was one of the positive contributions of cultural diffusion to national development in Liberia; and that indecent sexual exposure or behavior has become one of the negative contributions of cultural diffusion to national development in Liberia.

            In conclusion, the research argues that the gradual decline of Liberia’s cultural identity, especially its value system, could be linked to the adverse effects of foreign cultural diffusion, which have been significantly enhanced by globalization through migration. It was recommended, among other things, that the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, should integrate Liberian cultural studies into school curricula at all levels to strengthen cultural identity and reduce the effects of weak cultural foundations.