Cultural Lag Theory Proponent

The theory of Cultural Lag was introduced by William F. Ogburn.

William F. Ogburn's Contribution

William F. Ogburn, an American sociologist, developed the concept of Cultural Lag. This theory highlights the varying rates of change between different parts of a culture.

• Cultural Lag describes the phenomenon where non-material culture (like beliefs, values, and social norms) struggles to keep pace with the rapid changes in material culture (like technology and inventions).
• Ogburn argued that this gap, or "lag," often leads to social problems and maladjustment within society.
• He identified three main ways culture changes: invention, discovery, and diffusion.
• While other cultural theorists like Ruth Benedict, Talcott Parsons, and W.G. Sumner also made significant contributions to sociology and cultural studies, the specific theory of Cultural Lag is attributed to William F. Ogburn.

Therefore, William F. Ogburn is recognized as the cultural theorist who proposed the theory of Cultural Lag.