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Situationism is a philosophical and sociological theory that emphasizes the influence of social contexts and situations on individual behavior and cognition. It posits that people's actions and thoughts are largely determined by the specific circumstances and environments they find themselves in, rather than by inherent personal traits or dispositions.

The roots of situationism can be traced back to the early 20th century, with contributions from philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre and sociologists such as Harold Garfinkel. Sartre's existentialist perspective highlighted the importance of situational factors in shaping human existence, while Garfinkel's ethnomethodology examined how individuals make sense of and act within specific social situations.

Situationism gained prominence in the 1960s and 1970s, particularly through the work of the Situationist International, a group of socialists, writers, artists, and political theorists. They critiqued consumer culture and advocated for the creation of "situations" that would foster authentic human experiences and interactions. Their ideas influenced various social movements and artistic practices, emphasizing the transformative potential of situational interventions.

In psychology, situationism challenges traditional trait theories, which suggest that personality is a fixed set of characteristics. Instead, situationism argues that behavior is more fluid and context-dependent. This perspective has significant implications for understanding social behavior, as it suggests that changing the environment or situation can lead to changes in behavior, rather than focusing solely on individual characteristics.

Critics of situationism argue that it underestimates the role of personal agency and individual differences. However, proponents maintain that it provides a valuable framework for understanding the complex interplay between individuals and their social contexts. Situationism continues to be a relevant and influential theory in various academic disciplines, including sociology, psychology, and philosophy.