What is the definition of "cultural stagnance"?

Question

I'm taking an anthropology course, and I want to write about cultures that resist change. I thought it was just a phrase I made up, but when I did a google search apparently it is a part of the anthropological jargon. I can't find a definition. I obviously don't have a background in the world of anthropology. Could someone please tell me about the former usages of this phrase.

Answer 1

former usage? is or was there a prior usage?  cultural stagnation is where and when a culture stops in its tracks, moves in no distinct direction and stays put. a perfect example would be certain native american tribes who are mentally and physically still in the 1880s. these poor souls refuse to belong to the 21st century, would rather live with the deluded hope of white man going away, wants nothing of the today's world and as a result, will drink themselves to death waiting for that to happen. now, mind you not all native american tribes/nations feel this way. many have capitalized on white man's need for tobacco and gambling and have made themselves a tidy fortune. others have begun their own schools, universities, send their best and brightest to ivy league schools producing lawyers, doctors, etc. but there are small groups who refuse; absolutely refuse to change, develop and grow. that, my friend, is cultural stagnation.  want another example? check out cuba since 1960 and the castro revolution. the island was a cultural paradise but today? it is still functioning (?) in the 1950s lifestyle.

Answer 2

Evansville, IN.