This paper examines the persistence of cultural lag within Indian family systems as they navigate rapid modernization, globalization, and urbanization in the 21st century. Drawing from W. F. Ogburn’s (1922) sociological concept, the study explores how technological, economic, and educational transformations have outpaced corresponding shifts in cultural norms and social behaviour. Despite India’s progress in digital communication, women’s education, and economic mobility, many traditional family ideologies—especially those governing gender roles, intergenerational relations, and caregiving—remain deeply rooted in patriarchal and hierarchical structures. Employing a qualitative research approach based on secondary data, the study synthesizes findings from academic literature, national surveys (NFHS-4, NFHS-5; Census of India 2011), and reports from international agencies (UNFPA, 2020). Through thematic analysis, the paper identifies the persistence of cultural lag in three core domains: (1) structural shifts from joint to nuclear families, (2) redefinition of gender roles amid economic independence, and (3) evolving patterns of eldercare and intergenerational support. The analysis reveals that while families increasingly adopt modern lifestyles and economic arrangements, social expectations and relational norms often resist change—creating friction between tradition and modernity. The findings highlight the uneven pace of modernization in India, where cultural values have adapted more slowly than material progress. This lag contributes to tensions in gender equality, caregiving responsibilities, and work–family balance. The study concludes that bridging this gap requires fostering cultural adaptability through policy innovation, gender-sensitive education, and inclusive family welfare frameworks. By situating Indian family transformation within Ogburn’s theory of cultural lag, the paper underscores the need for an integrated understanding of how material and non-material aspects of culture evolve at different speeds in a rapidly changing society.