Critically assess the 'cultural lag' theory of social change

Cultural lag theory of social change was put forward by Ogborn and Nimkoff. It sought to address the discrepancy of change between technology/production and the socio cultural values.

According to the theory of cultural lag, the technological progress in the society or the change in economic production systems happens at a fast pace; But the cultural institutions of society like Religion, family, kinship, marriage, education etc do not change immediately, rather there is a 'cultural lag' which is expreinced due to which dissonance can be seen.

According to Wilbert Moore, social change is a significant alteration in society's structure, beliefs and practices as also values and behaviour.

The cultural lag on this front can be seen in India's 'Mistaken Modernity' (Dipankar Gupta). Eg Though Indians have started using social media, they censure its usage by girls/women, recent Khap dictum banned phones use by girls. Eg while public spaces are opening for greater interaction across caste, religion etc, inter caste marriages face honour killings. Even in democracy (egalitarian system) or bureaucracy, expectation of particularist benefit based on religion, caste, region is expected.