Culture lag and culture shock | Society and Culture | MCAT | Khan Academy

Summary

The video discusses the concept of 'culture lag,' highlighting the disparity between rapidly evolving material culture—like technology—and the slower adaptation of non-material culture, which encompasses beliefs and values. An example illustrates how the invention of cars led to chaotic streets before laws were established to regulate driving. The video also explores 'culture shock,' the disorientation experienced when encountering unfamiliar cultural practices, such as when individuals from conservative cultures visit more liberal societies. This disconnection can lead to feelings of confusion and homesickness, exemplified by the reactions of visitors from Islamic countries to Western customs.

Takeaways

• 😀 Culture lag refers to the delay in cultural adaptation to technological innovations, resulting in social problems.
• 📱 Material culture evolves rapidly, encompassing physical and technological aspects of life, such as food and gadgets.
• 🧠 Non-material culture includes ideas, beliefs, and values, which tend to resist change and evolve slowly.
• 🚗 An example of culture lag is the early days of automobiles when there were no laws or guidelines for driving, leading to chaos on the streets.
• 📅 The creation of laws governing driving helped close the gap between material and non-material culture.
• 💻 Another example of culture lag is the slow adaptation of businesses to effectively use computers and email technology.
• 😕 Culture shock involves feelings of disorientation or fear when encountering unfamiliar cultural practices.
• 🌍 Moving to a different country or social environment often results in culture shock due to unfamiliarity with values and customs.
• 🏠 Individuals experiencing culture shock may feel sad, lonely, confused, or homesick in a new place.
• 👗 An example of culture shock is when individuals from Islamic countries visit Western Europe and encounter different cultural norms regarding clothing and public displays of affection.

Q & A

What does the term 'culture lag' refer to?

Culture lag refers to the delay in cultural adaptation to technological innovations, leading to social problems. It occurs because material culture changes rapidly while non-material culture tends to resist change.

How does material culture differ from non-material culture?

Material culture includes physical and technological aspects of daily life, such as food, houses, and phones, while non-material culture encompasses ideas, beliefs, and values that do not involve physical objects.

Why does culture lag happen?

Culture lag occurs because material culture evolves faster than non-material culture. The opposing nature of these two aspects makes it difficult to adapt to new technologies.

Can you provide an example of culture lag?

One example is the invention of cars, which initially had no governing laws such as speed limits or traffic signs, leading to dangerous conditions. Laws were later established to address these issues.

What is culture shock?

Culture shock refers to the feelings of disorientation, uncertainty, or fear that individuals experience when encountering unfamiliar cultural practices.

In what situations can culture shock occur?

Culture shock can occur when someone moves to a different country, transitions to a new social environment, or travels to an entirely different lifestyle.

What emotions are typically associated with culture shock?

Emotions associated with culture shock include sadness, loneliness, confusion, homesickness, and questioning the decision to move to a new place.

How might culture shock manifest for someone traveling to a new country?

A traveler may feel overwhelmed by unfamiliar weather, landscapes, language, food, and different values and customs in the new country.

Can you give an example of culture shock in specific cultural contexts?

An example is when individuals from Islamic countries, like Algeria, visit Western European countries such as Spain or Italy, where they may encounter behaviors like revealing clothing and public displays of affection that are not accepted in their own cultures.

How can understanding culture lag and culture shock be beneficial?

Understanding these concepts helps individuals navigate technological and cultural changes, fostering better adaptation and reducing the emotional impact of encountering unfamiliar cultural environments.