Cultural sociology is a subfield of sociology that focuses on understanding how culture influences social life. It examines the ways in which beliefs, values, symbols, and practices shape individual behaviors and societal structures. By analyzing cultural artifacts, such as art, music, and literature, cultural sociologists explore how these elements reflect and affect social dynamics. This discipline also investigates the relationship between culture and social institutions, such as family, education, and politics. Cultural sociologists study how cultural norms and narratives contribute to social cohesion or conflict, providing insights into issues like identity, power, and inequality.