The statement that exemplifies a 'cultural lag' would be:
a). gaining the ability to modify genetic patterns in humans before understanding the possible social consequences of doing so.
- 'Cultural lag' is characterized as the situation when there lies 'a distinction between the material culture and the cultural beliefs, norms, etc. i.e. non-material culture.'
- It is basically the gap that is created due to cultural failure to catch up with the speed of the evolving world and its technologies, leading to discrepancies and conflicts.
- The situation of having 'the technologies to alter genetic patterns prior to cultural understanding or faith to accept it and know its probable effects' demonstrate this discrepancy the best.
Thus, option a is the correct answer.
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