Hegemony works by making the status quo appear to lack alternatives.

Evidence

Recent sociological theories of ideology have made use of Gramsci’s concept of ideological hegemony (Gitlin, 1980; Gramsci, 1971; Williams, 1973). Ideological hegemony is said to exist when the ideas of one group dominate or exert a predominant influence on the major cultural and social institutions (Fermia, 1975, p. 29; Williams, 1960, p. 587). These ideas explain social reality—in particular, inequalities between social groups—in a manner that defends and justifies such inequalities. A dominant group is truly hegemonic when people of all stations in life, dominant and subordinate, accept the vision of society as espoused by the dominant group. In this respect, Gramsci’s notion of hegemony corresponds to Marx’s dictum (1964) that “the ideas of the ruling class are, in every age, the ruling ideas” (p. 78). Gramsci, however, added an element of exchange and indeterminancy that elevates the role played by human subjectivity. For Gramsci, the economic base of society creates rough boundaries on ideas but does not predetermine or directly create ideological belief systems (the “superstructure”). — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 3380 (#expands, via linked claim)

Categorization

• recurring: this claim recurs 2 times within its source
• XREF: connects to: Hegemony’s thesis absorbs opposition rather than being transcended by it; Situations reproduce hegemony yet remain not fully determined by it — Hall, Stuart, Essential Essays, Volume 1, 879; Ideology works by framing alternatives within a range rather than dictating thought. (+7 more)

Broader Connections

• Hegemony succeeds when subordinate groups accept the dominant vision as their own #expands (0.90) — John T. Jost and Jim Sidanius, Political Psychology, 3380
• Lack of economic and social power makes the world appear to be given #expands (0.88)
• Modernity’s hegemony is explained by its political utility, not its truth #complicates (0.85)
• Hegemony’s thesis absorbs opposition rather than being transcended by it #expands (0.82)
• Situations reproduce hegemony yet remain not fully determined by it #qualifies (0.78) — Hall, Stuart, Essential Essays, Volume 1, 879
• Ideology works by framing alternatives within a range rather than dictating thought. #expands (0.75)
• Groups only seem competitive once they can plausibly change the status quo. #expands (0.72)