User:Lassebosch/reading writing methodologies/2 Trimester

Cultural Hegemony

Synopsis Marx and Engels:

Marx and Engles speculates on classes and their conception of themselves. More specifically it is elaborated how, trough rationalization, historical and philosophical references it is possible for the ruling class to justify and argue for their dominancy. Opposing the ruling class is, in cases, is the gathering of a revolutionary class, which, if successful, manages to gather opinions on a broader basis than of the ruling class. Therefore, the authors argues, clashes between ruling class and non-ruling class constantly become more radical.

Gramsci, in three parts:

I) History of the Subaltern class
It is described how the ruling class functions as a unity between the political society and the and the Civil society. On the other hand subaltern classes "are not unified and cannot unify until they become a state". By building formation (given by changes in the economic capacities) the subaltern classes attempts to influence the state and will ultimately assimilate with the formation of political parties. Gramsci notes two paths to obtain supremacy: by dominancy (force) or by intellectual and moral leadership.

II) The concept of ideology
Ideology meaning the investigation or the origins of ideas would eventually lead to "sensations" as being the fundament upon which these are built. Gramsci argues that the mobilizing power the promise of ideas/sensation should not be neglected, and rather than seen as a distinct part of the structure, it should be regarded as a superstructure.

III) Ideological Material
Feeding the "ideological front" and maintaing the structure of a dominant class is various parts, namely the press: publishing, but also other elements which shapes the dominant and established structure: schools, libraries, associations, etc.

Make notes on how Gramsci developed Marx’s idea

Gramsci elaborates on Marx's theory:

- Subaltern clases either assimilate (become part of the state) or revolts
- The notion of the sensations as being essential is underlined
- How and by what procedures a dominant class or a class in formation maintains or develops its hegemony: press, institutions, associations, state-structures

Posit your own definition for cultural hegemony

The structure is maintained and sustained by elements within. The elements would be those who shape the ideas of why, exactly this structure is superior. These elements are embedded and distributed in the structure to an extent that every individual is enrolled and subscribes to the ideas of the structure.

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Speculate on how cultural hegemony might operate in the contemporary world.