Cultural Lag

Definition

Cultural lag refers to the phenomenon where elements of a culture's social or material aspects change at different rates, causing a mismatch or gap between various cultural components. It describes the delay in one part of a culture to adjust to changes that have occurred in another part of the culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural lag occurs when the non-material aspects of a culture, such as values, norms, and social institutions, fail to keep pace with the rapid changes in the material culture, such as technology and infrastructure.
2. The concept of cultural lag was developed by the sociologist William F. Ogburn, who argued that social and cultural change do not occur at the same rate, leading to a mismatch between different cultural elements.
3. Cultural lag can lead to social problems, as the outdated non-material aspects of a culture struggle to accommodate the new material changes, causing tension and conflict within the society.
4. The rapid pace of technological change is a major driver of cultural lag, as social institutions and cultural values often struggle to adapt to the transformative effects of new technologies.
5. Cultural lag can also occur when a culture adopts a new material element, such as a technology, without the corresponding changes in the non-material aspects, such as laws, policies, or social norms.

Review Questions

• Explain how cultural lag relates to the concept of elements of culture.
  • Cultural lag occurs when the material elements of a culture, such as technology and infrastructure, change at a faster rate than the non-material elements, such as values, norms, and social institutions. This mismatch between the different elements of culture can lead to social problems and tensions, as the outdated non-material aspects struggle to accommodate the new material changes. Understanding cultural lag is crucial in examining how the various elements of a culture, both material and non-material, interact and evolve over time.
• Describe how cultural lag relates to the concepts of high, low, pop, sub, and counter-culture, as well as cultural change.
  • Cultural lag can contribute to the emergence of different cultural forms, such as high, low, pop, sub, and counter-cultures. As material changes occur at a faster pace, certain groups within a society may resist or reject the dominant cultural norms, leading to the development of alternative cultural expressions. These alternative cultures can serve as a response to the cultural lag experienced by the larger society, providing a means for individuals and groups to adapt to the changing material conditions. Additionally, the presence of cultural lag can be a driving force behind broader cultural change, as the mismatch between material and non-material elements ultimately necessitates adjustments in the cultural landscape.
• Analyze how the concept of cultural lag can be understood through the lens of different theoretical perspectives on culture.
  • From a structural-functionalist perspective, cultural lag can be seen as a temporary imbalance in the cultural system that must be addressed to maintain social stability. Conflict theorists may view cultural lag as a manifestation of power struggles, where dominant groups resist changes that threaten their privileged position. Symbolic interactionists might focus on how cultural lag is experienced and negotiated by individuals and groups in their everyday interactions. Meanwhile, cultural materialists would likely emphasize the role of technological and economic forces in driving cultural change and the resulting cultural lag. Examining cultural lag through these diverse theoretical lenses can provide a more nuanced understanding of its causes, consequences, and implications for cultural dynamics.

Related terms

Cultural Change:

The process by which a culture transforms over time, including changes in values, beliefs, behaviors, and social structures.

Technological Determinism:

The theory that technological innovation shapes and determines social and cultural change, rather than the other way around.

Social Inertia: The tendency of social systems and institutions to resist change and maintain the status quo, even in the face of new technological or social developments.