Cultural Hegemony

Definition

Cultural hegemony is the dominance of one group over others, not just through political or economic means, but by influencing cultural beliefs, values, and norms. This concept helps us understand how certain ideologies become accepted as 'common sense' within a society, often leading to the marginalization of alternative viewpoints. The idea is that power is maintained not just by force but by shaping what is seen as normal or desirable in culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural hegemony in Joseon Korea was largely established by the Yangban class, who promoted Confucian values as the ideal social order.
2. The Yangban maintained their cultural dominance by controlling education and the civil service examination system, which reinforced their elite status.
3. Through literature, art, and philosophy, the Yangban shaped societal norms that emphasized loyalty, hierarchy, and filial piety.
4. This cultural hegemony also marginalized lower classes and women, whose voices and experiences were often excluded from mainstream narratives.
5. Resistance to this hegemony often emerged through folk traditions and oral histories that challenged elite narratives and preserved alternative viewpoints.

Review Questions

• How did the Yangban class establish cultural hegemony in Joseon society?
  • The Yangban class established cultural hegemony in Joseon society primarily through their control of education and governance. By promoting Confucian ideals and using the civil service examination system to maintain their elite status, they influenced cultural beliefs and norms across different social classes. This allowed them to define what was considered 'normal' or desirable in society, thus marginalizing alternative perspectives.
• In what ways did cultural hegemony impact social structures during the Joseon period?
  • Cultural hegemony during the Joseon period created rigid social structures that favored the Yangban class while oppressing lower classes and women. The emphasis on Confucian values reinforced hierarchical relationships within families and communities, creating a system where loyalty and obedience were prioritized over individual expression. This led to a lack of representation for marginalized groups in cultural narratives and societal roles.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of cultural hegemony established by the Yangban on modern Korean society.
  • The long-term effects of the cultural hegemony established by the Yangban can still be observed in modern Korean society. This influence manifests in enduring respect for Confucian principles such as hierarchy and familial duty. While contemporary Korea has diversified culturally, elements of this hegemony persist, affecting social expectations and values. Understanding these historical foundations allows for a more nuanced perspective on current social dynamics and ongoing struggles for equality among various groups.

Related terms

Ideology: A set of beliefs or philosophies attributed to a person or group that influences how they perceive and interact with the world.

Social Stratification: The hierarchical arrangement of individuals in society based on factors such as wealth, power, education, and social status.

Symbolic Violence: The imposition of a dominant culture's values on marginalized groups, often leading them to internalize feelings of inferiority.