Cultural Lag
Relevant for Sociology Optional for Civil Service Examination.
Sociology Paper -1
Unit 10 : Social Change in Modern Society
Cultural Lag
- Cultural lag is a concept introduced by sociologist William Fielding Ogburn. He first presented this idea in his work “Social Change with Respect to Culture and Original Nature” in 1922.
- The theory of cultural lag suggests that social and cultural changes occur at different rates, and there is a delay in the adjustment of non-material culture (such as beliefs, values, and norms) to new material conditions (such as technology and innovations).
- Ogburn argued that technological advancements often outpace the ability of society to adapt to those changes. As a result, there is a “lag” in the adjustment of cultural norms and values to the new technological environment.
- This lag creates a period of confusion and social strain until cultural adjustments catch up with technological developments
- For example, the introduction of new technologies might lead to changes in social behaviors, ethical standards, or legal norms, but it takes time for society’s values and institutions to fully adapt.
- William Fielding Ogburn’s model of technological development comprises four distinct stages, each reflecting a facet of the dynamic relationship between innovation and societal adaptation:
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- Invention Stage: This marks the inception of a new technological breakthrough or discovery.Visionaries and inventors play pivotal roles in introducing novel ideas and technologies.
- Elation Stage: During this phase, society experiences a wave of enthusiasm and excitement surrounding the newfound invention. Optimism prevails as people anticipate the potential benefits and positive impacts of the technology.
- Diffusion Stage: The diffusion stage involves the widespread adoption of the new technology across various segments of society. During this period, the technology permeates different groups and sectors, becoming more ingrained in daily life.
- Adjustment Stage (Cultural Lag): This stage highlights the temporal gap in the alignment of social institutions and values with the rapid pace of technological change.Society grapples with tension and challenges as it endeavors to adapt its cultural norms, beliefs, and practices to accommodate the transformative effects of the technology. This phase encapsulates Ogburn’s concept of cultural lag, underscoring the necessity for time as non-material aspects of culture gradually synchronize with the swiftly evolving material culture.
Reference: Static Portion
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Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Question: Define the term “ethnic movement” and provide an example from India.
Answer: An ethnic movement refers to a collective effort by a group sharing common cultural, linguistic, or religious traits, seeking to assert their identity and rights; an example from India is the Khalistan Movement in Punjab.
2. Question: Identify the main objectives behind the Gorkhaland ethnic movement.
Answer: The Gorkhaland ethnic movement primarily seeks to establish a separate state for India’s Nepali-speaking population in the Darjeeling region, advocating for linguistic and cultural recognition and political autonomy.
3. Question: What was the Operation Blue Star, and which ethnic movement was it related to?
Answer: Operation Blue Star was a military action in 1984, aiming to remove Sikh militants hiding in the Golden Temple in Amritsar; it is related to the Khalistan movement, which sought a separate Sikh country.
4. Question: Mention a critical factor that triggered the emergence of ethnic movements in India, as discussed by Dipankar Gupta.
Answer: Dipankar Gupta emphasized that ethnicity is fundamentally a political process, wherein caste and religion, the key components of identity formation, are politicized by leaders for vested interests.
5. Question: What were the primary reasons for the Assam Ethnicity conflicts involving Bodo tribals and Bengali Muslim settlers?
Answer: The Assam Ethnicity conflicts primarily stemmed from issues related to immigration, land rights, and resource allocation, leading to clashes, riots, and evolving relationships among indigenous communities to address challenges.
6. Question: Briefly describe the role of the Dravidian Movement in terms of caste and societal structure.
Answer: The Dravidian Movement, led notably by E.V. Ramasamy, aimed to establish an egalitarian society, focusing on anti-Brahmanism and advocating for equal rights for backward castes, while also introducing reforms like self-respect marriages.
7. Question: Name the prominent ethnic movements in North-East India and specify one common objective.
Answer: Prominent ethnic movements in North-East India include the Nagas’ and Mizos’ struggles; a common objective was to gain autonomy and recognition for their distinct tribal identities and cultural uniqueness.
8. Question: What is the key argument of Gail Omveldt regarding traditional Indian society and multiculturalism?
Answer: Gail Omveldt opposed romanticizing traditional Indian society, arguing that hierarchy has always dominated it and dismissing the notion that multiculturalism is an intrinsic feature of Indian society as a myth.
9. Question: Briefly explain the social hierarchy factor as a contributing element to ethnic movements as suggested by Olzak.
Answer: Olzak suggests that the construction of hierarchies among ethnic communities, which often leads to the suppression of one group by another, is a key factor that can instigate social and ethnic movements.
10. Question: Identify one consequence of the unequal economic development factor within the context of ethnic movements in India.
Answer: One consequence of unequal economic development is the marginalization and underdevelopment of certain groups, leading to feelings of alienation and sometimes initiating ethnic movements as these groups strive for equality and recognition.
GS Related Practices Questions…
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