The Situationists

The Situationists were a group of social and artistic thinkers in the mid-20th century who critiqued modern consumer culture and urban life. They believed society’s focus on materialism and superficial entertainment alienated people from genuine experiences and creativity. They promoted "situations"—artistic and political interventions designed to challenge everyday routines and inspire spontaneous, authentic life. Their ideas influenced avant-garde art, urban planning, and countercultural movements, advocating for a society where individuals could actively shape their environment and escape the passive consumption promoted by mass media and capitalism.