Cultural hegemony

Definition

Cultural hegemony is a concept that refers to the dominance of one culture over others, shaping societal norms, values, and beliefs in a way that maintains power for the ruling group. This idea emphasizes how certain cultural narratives and practices are normalized, making them appear as the default or common sense, while marginalizing alternative perspectives. It highlights the subtle ways in which culture is used to reinforce existing social hierarchies and maintain control over populations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural hegemony was popularized by Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci, who argued that ruling classes maintain power not just through political or economic means, but through cultural influence.
2. It operates through institutions such as media, education, and religion, which propagate the dominant culture's ideals while suppressing dissenting voices.
3. In canonical literature, cultural hegemony is often reflected in themes where the dominant culture's perspective is presented as universal, marginalizing minority narratives.
4. Recognizing cultural hegemony allows readers to question who benefits from certain narratives and whose stories are left untold in literature.
5. Challenging cultural hegemony can lead to a more inclusive understanding of literature, encouraging the exploration of diverse voices and perspectives.

Review Questions

• How does cultural hegemony manifest in canonical literature, and what effects does this have on reader perceptions?
  • Cultural hegemony manifests in canonical literature by privileging narratives that reflect the dominant culture's values while sidelining or misrepresenting marginalized groups. This can shape reader perceptions by reinforcing stereotypes or limiting their understanding of diverse experiences. Recognizing this dominance allows readers to critically engage with texts and question the underlying messages about race, gender, and class.
• Analyze how the concept of cultural hegemony can inform discussions about representation in literary canon.
  • The concept of cultural hegemony informs discussions about representation by highlighting how literary canons are often constructed around the values of the dominant culture. It reveals that what is considered 'classical' or 'great literature' frequently reflects the perspectives of those in power while excluding diverse voices. This analysis encourages a re-examination of what is valued in literature and advocates for greater inclusion of marginalized authors and stories.
• Evaluate the implications of cultural hegemony for modern literature and its role in social change.
  • Cultural hegemony has significant implications for modern literature as it shapes the narratives that gain prominence in society. By understanding how dominant cultures influence storytelling, writers and readers can work towards creating counterhegemonic texts that challenge prevailing norms. This evaluation fosters awareness of literature’s potential to drive social change by amplifying underrepresented voices and promoting a more equitable representation of experiences in contemporary society.

Related terms

Ideology: A set of beliefs and values that shape an individual's worldview and behavior, often influenced by the dominant culture.

Counterhegemony: Efforts or movements that challenge and resist the dominant cultural norms and values established by cultural hegemony.

Cultural Capital: Non-financial social assets, such as education and cultural knowledge, that contribute to an individual's social mobility within society.