The Theory of the State (Antonio Gramsci)

Antonio Gramsci's Theory of the State emphasizes that the state is more than just a government; it represents the whole structure of power in society, including cultural institutions. Gramsci distinguished between "political society" (formal institutions like the government and law) and "civil society" (cultural norms and values). He argued that the state maintains control not only through coercion but also through consensus, shaping people's beliefs and social norms. Thus, power is both enforced and accepted, highlighting the importance of ideology in maintaining social order and the role of culture in politics.