Overview
This lecture introduces the concept of hegemony as a way to understand power, focusing on Antonio Gramsci's theoretical perspective and its implications for cultural and political control.
Introduction to Hegemony
- Hegemony describes a form of power where dominance is achieved not just by force but by obtaining consent through cultural and ideological means.
- The concept is especially useful in studying how power is exercised and maintained in society.
Historical Context and Gramsci's Contribution
- Antonio Gramsci, an Italian communist, developed the concept of hegemony while imprisoned for opposing fascism.
- Gramsci argued that real social change requires more than seizing force; it involves challenging dominant cultural ideas.
Hegemony vs. Force and Legitimacy
- Rousseau discussed force and the general will, but Gramsci adds that legitimacy can be manufactured through cultural consensus.
- Societal acceptance of institutions often stems from deeply held beliefs and norms rather than direct coercion.
Cultural Hegemony
- Cultural hegemony means the ruling class shapes values, ideas, and beliefs, making their dominance appear natural and inevitable.
- Examples include beliefs in the sanctity of the constitution, the necessity of economic growth, binary gender ideas, and heteronormativity.
Mechanisms of Hegemonic Control
- Power elites restrict political choices, framing debates to exclude alternatives and reinforce existing systems.
- Passive revolution refers to elites adapting or making concessions to maintain control without fundamental change.
- Land acknowledgements can serve as symbolic concessions without altering underlying power structures.
Types of Hegemony (From Herata Reading)
- Detached hegemony: the dominant group adapts to challenges and maintains power by evolving.
- Dominative hegemony: the dominant group uses overt force or pressure to sustain control when its legitimacy is threatened.
Social Change and Hegemony
- Superficial reforms may occur, but core power structures often persist under new forms.
- Hegemonic ideas are difficult to dislodge because they are deeply embedded in culture and consent.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Hegemony — domination maintained through societal consent, culture, and ideology rather than direct force.
- Cultural Hegemony — the process where ruling groups shape cultural norms and beliefs to secure their dominance.
- Passive Revolution — changes or concessions by elites to maintain control while avoiding real transformation.
- Detached Hegemony — adaptation by hegemonic power to new conditions while maintaining dominance.
- Dominative Hegemony — enforcement of dominance through force or strict control when legitimacy falters.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare for discussion on the application of hegemony in international relations in Thursday’s lecture.
- Review the assigned readings focusing on examples of hegemony in practice.