Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
cultural-lag
noun
/ˈkʌl.tʃər.əl lɛɡ/
Definition
Cultural lag refers to the period of time it takes for society to adjust to new technological advancements, ideas, or changes in the environment.
Examples
- After the introduction of smartphones, many people experienced cultural lag in their communication habits.
- The cultural lag in environmental awareness has led to significant challenges in addressing climate change effectively.
Meaning
It highlights the disconnect that can occur when non-material aspects of culture (like beliefs and values) take longer to adapt to changes than material aspects (like technology).
Synonyms
- cultural delay
- cultural inertia
- adjustment delay
