Cultural Lag: Who introduced this term?

Appeared in: DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Explanation

The term "Cultural Lag" was introduced by the American sociologist William F. Ogburn in his 1922 book, Social Change with Respect to Culture and Original Nature.
The theory posits that culture is divided into two main parts: material culture (e.g., technology, tools) and non-material culture (e.g., values, beliefs, laws).
Cultural lag occurs because material culture tends to change and advance much more rapidly than non-material culture.
This gap or "lag" between the two can lead to social problems and maladjustment until the non-material aspects of culture adapt.

Option B: G.R. Madan was an Indian sociologist whose work focused on Indian social problems and social disorganization, not the theory of cultural lag.
Option C: Émile Durkheim, a foundational figure in sociology, is renowned for concepts like 'social facts,' 'anomie,' and his seminal study on suicide.
Option D: Charles Horton Cooley is best known for the concept of the 'Looking-Glass Self,' which describes how an individual's sense of self is derived from their perception of how others see them.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Originator of the sociological concept of 'Cultural Lag' as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses often encounter cultural lag when patients' traditional beliefs (non-material culture) conflict with modern medical treatments (material culture).
Recognizing this gap allows nurses to provide culturally sensitive care, improve patient education, and address ethical dilemmas, such as vaccine hesitancy or refusal of life-saving technologies based on cultural or religious norms.
What if? A patient's family insists on using a traditional herbal remedy alongside a prescribed potent medication. This is a classic cultural lag scenario. The nurse's role is not to dismiss the traditional belief but to educate the family on potential drug-herb interactions and work towards an integrated, safe care plan.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept in the question, which is 'Cultural Lag'.
This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of foundational sociological theories and their proponents.
Systematically review the options. Try to associate each sociologist with their most famous contribution.
Recall or deduce that William F. Ogburn is credited with the theory of cultural lag.
Eliminate the other options by confirming their key ideas: Durkheim (social facts, anomie), Cooley (looking-glass self), and G.R. Madan (Indian social issues).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Applied Sociology for Nurses TK Indrani pp. 113-115, 114-116, 62-64

Practise the full DSSSB - 28 August 2019 (Shift-1)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.