The following passage presents an analysis of the concept of cultural hegemony, a term popularized by the Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci:
Cultural hegemony describes the ways in which dominant groups in society maintain their status and authority through the shaping of cultural norms and values, rather than through coercion alone. Gramsci argued that this form of domination is subtle and operates through consent, whereby the subordinate groups inadvertently adopt the ideologies of the ruling class. Consequently, this leads to a situation where these ideologies are perceived as ‘natural’ or ‘common sense’ by the majority, effectively ensuring the continuation of the status quo.
In contemporary discourse, this concept has been applied to various fields, including media studies, education, and political theory, highlighting how power is constructed and maintained within socio-political contexts. Critics of the concept, however, point to its potential overreach, suggesting that it may underestimate the capacity of marginalized groups to resist and redefine dominant narratives.
Nonetheless, the implications of cultural hegemony resonate in discussions about identity, ideology, and social change, warranting a re-examination of the mechanisms through which cultural power operates.