What is cultural lag?

TANMOY MUKHERJI INSTITUTE OF JURIDICAL SCIENCE

Dr. Tanmoy Mukherji

Advocate

What is cultural lag?

Tanmoy Mukherji

Advocate

Cultural lag refers to the time gap between changes in material culture (technology, tools, inventions) and non-material culture (values, beliefs, laws, customs). When material culture changes rapidly but non-material culture fails to adjust at the same pace, cultural lag occurs.

Introduced by:

W. F. Ogburn

Explanation:

In modern society, technological developments take place very fast, but social institutions, laws and moral values change slowly. This imbalance creates social problems.

Examples:

→Rapid growth of the internet vs. slow development of cyber laws

→Scientific medical advancements vs. traditional beliefs

→Social media technology vs. privacy and data protection laws

Importance:

Cultural lag helps explain social tension, adjustment problems and conflicts in a rapidly changing society.