Gramsci's Hegemony

Antonio Gramsci's concept of hegemony refers to the way dominant groups in society maintain power not just through force, but also by shaping cultural norms and values. This means that rather than relying solely on coercion, powerful groups persuade others to accept their worldview as natural or beneficial. This involves creating consent among the populace, making their ideas seem common sense. Hegemony highlights the importance of culture in maintaining social order, showing how beliefs and practices can reinforce or challenge power dynamics over time. It emphasizes the interplay between consent and coercion in societal relationships.