Artifacts

Artifacts refer to physical objects created, used, or valued by humans that provide insights into cultural, social, and historical contexts. In sociology, artifacts are studied as material culture, reflecting the norms, beliefs, and practices of a society. Examples include tools, clothing, artworks, or technology, each symbolizing the values and advancements of its time. Sociologists analyze artifacts to understand how material goods influence identity, social interactions, and power dynamics within a community. Artifacts also play a role in shaping collective memory and cultural continuity, bridging past and present. Their study helps uncover the relationship between tangible objects and intangible aspects of social life.