The Frankfurt School refers to a group of scholars associated with the Institute for Social Research in Frankfurt, Germany, founded in the 1920s. They aimed to understand and critique society, focusing on the effects of capitalism, culture, and ideology. Key figures included Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer, and Herbert Marcuse, who explored how social structures influence human behavior and thought. Their work combined elements of Marxism, Freudian psychology, and critical theory, emphasizing the importance of culture in shaping social dynamics. The Frankfurt School's ideas have influenced various fields, including sociology, philosophy, and cultural studies, encouraging critical thinking about power and society.