cultural lag
Quick Summary
Cultural lag, a concept introduced by sociologist William Fielding Ogburn, describes the phenomenon where one aspect of culture changes more slowly than another. This typically refers to nonmaterial culture, such as beliefs and social institutions, lagging behind material or technological advancements.12
In anthropology, the study of culture areas examines contiguous geographic regions where societies share common traits. While Ogburn's concept of cultural lag is not a primary focus within the traditional definition of a culture area, it highlights how rapid technological innovation can create societal disruptions if other cultural elements do not adapt at a similar pace. This lag can occur when new inventions or technologies emerge, and the social norms, laws, or values of a society take time to adjust.31
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