The Consequence of Cultural Lagging Norms on Society

The Consequence of Cultural Lagging Norms on Society

Culture is the embodiment of values, beliefs, customs and practices that are shared by a particular group of people. Norms, which are unwritten rules that guide the behavior of individuals in a society, are a significant aspect of culture. However, over time, culture changes, while norms often lag culture. This phenomenon is known as cultural lag. The widening gap between cultural change and the evolution of norms leads to various negative effects on society. This article explores the consequences of cultural lagging norms on society and the possible solutions.

The Harmful Effects Of Cultural Lagging Norms On Society

Cultural lagging norms have the potential to cause significant harm to society. Below are some of the consequences of cultural lagging norms on society:

1. Hindering Progress:
When norms lag behind culture, they can hinder progress in various fields. For example, if scientific discoveries are not implemented in the medical field due to conservative norms, it can impede the development of new treatments and advancements as well as have life-threatening consequences.

2. Reinforcing Unhealthy Values and Practices:
Norms, which are the unwritten rules of a particular society, can reinforce unhealthy values and practices. Negative norms often lead to the denial of basic human rights, gender inequality, and other forms of abuse.

3. Division In Socio-Economic Classes:
Cultural lag perpetuates the division between different socio-economic classes. When norms do not evolve at the same pace as culture, marginalized groups must rely on their own culture and norms, creating a further divide between the haves and have-nots.

4. Hinder Social or Political Development:
Norms often come with solutions that are limited in terms of their capability to address increasingly complex social and political challenges. Cultural lag can impede social or political development, creating a breeding ground for apathy, cynicism, and extremism.

Coping With Cultural Lagging Norms

The following strategies can facilitate coping with cultural lagging norms:

1. Raise Awareness:
Raising awareness of the dangers of cultural lagging norms can help to tackle the problem. Educating people on the benefits of evolving norms can go a long way in changing people’s perceptions and attitudes towards change.

2. Encouraging Dialogue:
Dialogue plays an essential role in bringing about social change. Encouraging dialogue across different socio-economic groups and cultures can lead to the development of new norms that embrace new values and practices.

3. Involving All Stakeholders:
To address the challenges of cultural lagging norms, all stakeholders should be involved in the solution. Governments, civil society organizations, the private sector, and individuals, should be part of the change process.

Conclusion

Cultural lagging norms have significant effects on society across all sectors, hindering progress, reinforcing unhealthy values, and causing a disparity in socio-economic classes. Solutions like raising awareness, encouraging dialogue and involving all stakeholders, are possible ways of handling cultural lagging norms and contributing to the adaptation and growth of norms that match social and cultural changes. By continuously evolving norms, societies can move towards healthy, progressive, and inclusive systems.

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