Exploring Cultural Lagging Norms: Why Societal Change Lags Behind Technological Advances
The world is constantly evolving and changing due to technological advances. People have access to more information and resources than ever before, and yet, societal norms and values seem to lag behind in terms of progress. This phenomenon is known as cultural lag, and it occurs when the material culture changes faster than the non-material culture. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind cultural lag and its impact on society.
Understanding Cultural Lagging Norms
Cultural lag occurs when there is a delay in the adaptation of non-material culture to material culture. Material culture refers to the physical objects and technology used in society, while non-material culture encompasses the beliefs, values, and norms that guide behavior. When material culture changes faster than non-material culture, it creates a disconnect between people’s behaviors and their beliefs, leading to cultural lag.
For example, technology has advanced rapidly in the last few decades, but there are still societal norms and values that do not align with this progress. The use of social media has transformed the way people communicate and interact with each other, but there are still cultural norms that stigmatize certain forms of communication, such as texting instead of face-to-face conversation. These norms exhibit cultural lag.
The Factors Contributing to Cultural Lag
There are several reasons why cultural lag occurs. One of the primary factors is the rigidity of non-material culture. Social norms and values are deeply ingrained in society, and they often resist change. People tend to follow the patterns of behavior set by their forefathers and are hesitant to adapt to new modes of operation.
Another factor contributing to cultural lag has to do with the role of cultural intermediaries. These intermediaries are responsible for interpreting and spreading cultural values and norms from one generation to another. However, they may resist changes that go against the existing norms and values.
Finally, cultural lag can arise from the absence of cultural intermediaries in some areas of society. For instance, some sectors might lack intermediaries to bridge the divide between the old and the new cultures by acting as liaisons.
The Impacts and Examples of Cultural Lag
Cultural lag can impact society in various ways. For instance, it can lead to cultural confusion, conflicts, and societal maladjustments. Societal maladjustments happen when the coexistence of the two cultures causes difficulties or negative outcomes.
Additionally, cultural lag impacts our way of life as a collective. It means that the benefits of technological advancements may not be fully maximized to fuel overall human development.
An example of cultural lag can be observed in the ongoing debate over the legalization of marijuana in some countries. As consumer technology has advanced, one can easily buy marijuana more quickly and discreetly than the past. But, societal values regarding the drug have been slower to evolve, which has resulted in obstacles to legalization.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cultural lag is a phenomenon that exists in most societies and is often a significant problem with technological advancements. It is caused by the discrepancy between the material culture and the non-material culture, the rigidity of non-material culture, and the role of cultural intermediaries. The impact of cultural lag can cause social problems such as societal maladjustments and conflicts. To reduce the effects of cultural lag, society should increase cultural intermediaries’ role in involving new technologies and ways of living.
