Political Science and International Relations

Comment on Gramsci's hegemony. UPSC 2016 Paper 1A Qn 1e Antonio Gramsci's concept of hegemony is a cornerstone of Marxist political theory, offering a nuanced understanding of how power and control are maintained in society. Unlike traditional Marxist theories that emphasize economic determinism and direct coercion, Gramsci's theory of hegemony highlights the role of culture, ideology, and consent in sustaining the dominance of a ruling class .  Hegemony, for Gramsci, refers to the cultural, moral, and intellectual leadership exercised by a dominant class over subordinate classes. This leadership is achieved not merely through force or economic control but by securing the active consent of the governed . The ruling class constructs a worldview that is accepted as common sense or natural, thereby masking its own interests as universal. Through institutions such as education, religion, and the media, the ruling class disseminates its ideology, shaping social norms and value...

Discuss Gramsci's notion of organic intellectuals. UPSC 2015 Paper 1A Qn 4b. Antonio Gramsci's notion of organic intellectuals is a key concept in his theory of cultural hegemony. In his Prison Notebooks, Gramsci talked of two categories of intellectuals: traditional intellectuals and organic intellectuals. Traditional intellectuals refer to those who think that they are not linked to any class. In this sense, they are independent. Organic intellectuals, bridge the gap between theory and practice and engage in practical organizing and providing intellectual frameworks to guide class's struggles. They shape the consciousness of their class and play a central role in challenging or maintaining existing power structures. They are actively and closely associated either with the ruling class or with the masses. Those who are associated with the ruling class churn out ideas, that help legitimize the rule of one class over the other. For example, in a capitalist society, org...

According to Gramsci, 'hegemony is primarily based on the organization of consent.' Comment. UPSC 2019 Paper 1A Qn. 3a Antonio Gramsci's concept of hegemony emphasizes that power in society is not maintained solely through force or coercion but, more importantly, through the organisation of consent . For Gramsci, hegemony refers to the ability of a dominant class or group to project its values, beliefs, and interests as universal, so they are accepted as "common sense" by the majority of society. This consensual control is achieved through cultural, ideological, and institutional means rather than direct repression . Organisation of Consent Gramsci argued that ruling classes achieve hegemony by building alliances with subordinate groups, incorporating some of their demands, and establishing institutions (such as education systems, religious organizations, and the media) that perpetuate their worldview. Key aspects of the organisation of consent include: 1....