Adorno, Theodor

Adorno, Theodor (1903–1969) was a German sociologist, philosopher, and key figure in the Frankfurt School of Critical Theory. His work focused on analyzing culture, mass media, and the interplay between society and individual consciousness. Adorno critically examined the effects of capitalism and modernity, arguing that cultural industries commodify art and perpetuate social control. Key works like Dialectic of Enlightenment (co-authored with Max Horkheimer) and The Authoritarian Personality explore themes of rationality, power, and ideology. His theories remain central to understanding the sociological critique of consumer culture, authoritarianism, and inequality. Adorno’s contributions continue to influence contemporary debates on culture, politics, and social theory.