Cultural studies analyze the interplay between culture, society, and power. This interdisciplinary field examines media, literature, art, and everyday practices to understand how cultural meanings are produced, circulated, and contested. Pioneers like Stuart Hall and Raymond Williams emphasized the role of culture in shaping identities and ideologies. Key areas include globalization, popular culture, identity politics, and consumerism. Cultural studies challenge traditional hierarchies by valuing diverse perspectives and exploring subcultures. It provides critical tools to analyze contemporary phenomena such as digital media, cultural appropriation, and the commodification of culture, fostering a nuanced understanding of societal dynamics.