Cultural Drift

Cultural Drift Definition

Cultural drift refers to the process by which a society undergoes transformation over time, driven by numerous small and often largely unconscious alterations within its cultural aspects. This concept posits that these incremental changes collectively steer the society along a particular trajectory, potentially leading it towards specific cultural orientations, such as increased Westernisation.

Conceptual Basis

The notion of cultural drift suggests that large-scale societal shifts are not necessarily caused by singular, dramatic events but rather accumulate from minor, unexamined modifications to cultural norms and practices. These subtle changes, operating beneath conscious awareness, exert a cumulative force on the overall direction and character of the society.