Cultural lag

Cultural lag refers to the period of maladjustment that occurs when nonmaterial culture is struggling to adapt to new material conditions. It is the relative pace of change between material culture (technology, infrastructure, etc.) and nonmaterial culture (values, beliefs, norms, laws). Specifically, material culture often advances more rapidly than nonmaterial culture, creating a "lag" in which the nonmaterial aspects of society struggle to keep pace with and adapt to the technological and material changes. This can lead to social problems and conflict.

The term was popularized by sociologist William F. Ogburn in his 1922 book, Social Change with Respect to Culture and Original Nature. Ogburn argued that technological advancements inevitably alter the social and cultural landscape, but the adaptation of societal norms, values, and laws to these changes often lags behind.

Key aspects of cultural lag include:

• Material Culture: Tangible objects, technologies, and infrastructure created by humans. This aspect tends to change rapidly due to innovation.
• Nonmaterial Culture: Intangible ideas, beliefs, values, norms, customs, and social institutions that shape a society. This aspect typically changes more slowly due to tradition and established social patterns.
• Adaptation Period: The time it takes for nonmaterial culture to adjust to the changes brought about by material culture. This period can be characterized by social disorganization, conflict, and uncertainty.

Cultural lag can manifest in various ways, such as outdated laws and regulations struggling to address new technologies, evolving ethical dilemmas related to scientific advancements, and the slow acceptance of new social practices facilitated by technological innovation. Over time, nonmaterial culture generally catches up to material culture, but the period of lag can have significant social and economic consequences.