Cultural diffusion in sociology refers to the spread of cultural elements from one society or social group to another. It is a process of cultural change in which elements of one culture are adopted by members of another culture. Cultural diffusion can occur through various means including trade, war, migration, and communication. There are four main types of cultural diffusion: contagious, hierarchical, stimulus, and relocation diffusion. Examples of cultural elements that can spread through cultural diffusion include language, religion, art, technology, fashion, and cuisine. Cultural diffusion has played a role in the spread of major social institutions.