The delay in cultural adaptation following technological innovations, leading to social problems.
Occurs because:
Material Culture changes rapidly (e.g., food, houses, phones).
Non-Material Culture resists change and includes ideas, beliefs, and values.
Characteristics:
Material culture evolves faster than non-material culture.
The term "culture lag" indicates the lagging adaptation of non-material culture.
Example:
Cars:
Early invention of cars lacked driving laws, speed limits, lane markers, etc.
Resulted in dangerous streets.
Laws were eventually implemented to address these issues, closing the gap between material and non-material culture.
Other Examples:
Computers and email adoption in businesses.
Encourage thinking of other culture lag instances.
Culture Shock
Definition:
Feelings of disorientation and fear when encountering unfamiliar cultural practices.
Can occur when moving to a different country or cultural environment.
Characteristics:
Unfamiliarity in weather, landscape, language, food, values, and customs.
Includes different business practices and store hours.
Effects:
May induce feelings of sadness, loneliness, confusion, homesickness.
Can lead to questioning one's decision to move.
Example:
Individuals from Islamic countries experiencing shock in Western Europe due to revealing clothing and public displays of affection, which are frowned upon in their own cultures.
Conclusion:
Understanding culture lag helps address and mitigate social problems arising from technological advancements.
Recognizing culture shock is essential for adapting to new cultural environments.