Cultural theory is a framework used to understand how culture influences human behavior and social structures. It examines the ways in which cultural beliefs, values, and practices shape individual and group identities. This theory often explores the interactions between different cultures and how they affect societal norms and conflicts. Key concepts in cultural theory include individualism, collectivism, and power dynamics. Researchers use these concepts to analyze various cultural phenomena, such as media representation, social movements, and globalization. By studying these elements, cultural theory helps to explain the complexities of human interactions within diverse cultural contexts.