Hegemony

Hegemony, in the context of Marxism and Critical Theory, refers to the dominance of one group or ideology over others, not just through force, but by shaping cultural norms, beliefs, and values. This concept, particularly developed by Antonio Gramsci, suggests that the ruling class maintains control by persuading society to accept its worldview as the common sense, making inequalities seem natural. Hegemony operates in everyday life, influencing how people think and act, ensuring that the interests of the dominant group are prioritized while marginalizing alternative perspectives and oppositional voices.