hegemony - in the writings of Gramsci, hegemony refers to the dominance of one social class over others. The term bourgeois cultural hegemony is also used - it refers to the dominance of the bourgeoisie over other classes, but the key word is cultural, as it emphasises that it is the bourgeois culture, with all the beliefs, values and norms which it incorporates, that is dominant. A more traditional Marxist view would place the emphasis rather on the economic control exerted by the dominant class.

In the Gramscian view, the bourgeoisie are successful in projecting their view of the world as 'natural' and 'common sense', 'taken for granted', 'legitimate', although in fact it serves only their interests. Their view becomes the consensus view.

Hegemony is potentially always threatened. It can only be maintained by the consent of the subordinate classes. The subordinate can pose a challenge to hegemony and the consensus may be broken. Society is seen therefore as a constant struggle between ideologies competing for hegemony.

The media, from this viewpoint, are seen as playing a vital rôle in constructing the consensus.

See also:

Marxist view of cultural effects

Further details of hegemony theory

cultural capital

Gramsci

consensus

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