Cultural hegemony

Definition

Cultural hegemony is the dominance of one social class over others, manifested through the establishment of norms, values, and beliefs that shape the cultural landscape and influence how society views itself. This concept emphasizes the role of ideology in sustaining power dynamics, particularly how the ruling class promotes its worldview as universal, thereby marginalizing alternative perspectives. It is crucial for understanding how art and culture reflect and reinforce societal hierarchies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cultural hegemony was first theorized by Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci, who argued that cultural institutions play a key role in maintaining the power of the ruling class.
2. In the context of art, cultural hegemony can dictate which artists are celebrated and whose works are deemed valuable, often sidelining those from marginalized backgrounds.
3. Art institutions can serve as sites of cultural hegemony, influencing public perception by legitimizing certain narratives while dismissing others.
4. The concept highlights how power is maintained not just through force or coercion, but also through consent and the shaping of beliefs and values in everyday life.
5. Challenging cultural hegemony involves recognizing these embedded ideologies and advocating for diverse voices and perspectives within cultural production.

Review Questions

• How does cultural hegemony influence the way art is produced and received within society?
  • Cultural hegemony significantly impacts art production and reception by establishing which narratives are considered legitimate or worthy of attention. Artists from dominant social classes are more likely to be promoted by institutions, while those from marginalized backgrounds may struggle to gain recognition. This dynamic shapes not only the art market but also public perception, making it essential to understand how power relations manifest in artistic contexts.
• In what ways do art institutions perpetuate cultural hegemony, and how can they potentially challenge it?
  • Art institutions often perpetuate cultural hegemony by favoring certain narratives and artists that align with the dominant ideology. They curate exhibitions that reflect mainstream values while overlooking alternative perspectives. However, these institutions can also challenge hegemony by actively seeking out and promoting underrepresented artists and stories, thereby fostering a more inclusive cultural dialogue that reflects diverse experiences.
• Evaluate the implications of cultural hegemony for contemporary art movements that aim to disrupt established norms.
  • Contemporary art movements that aim to disrupt established norms must grapple with the implications of cultural hegemony as they seek to create alternative narratives. By recognizing how dominant ideologies shape perceptions of value and legitimacy in art, these movements can strategically position themselves to challenge the status quo. This evaluation involves analyzing not only the artworks themselves but also the socio-political contexts in which they exist, pushing for a redefinition of what is considered 'worthy' in the art world.

Related terms

Ideology: A system of ideas and ideals that form the basis of economic or political theory and policy, shaping perceptions and guiding behaviors within a society.

Subaltern: Groups or individuals who are socially, politically, or geographically outside of the dominant power structures, often lacking a voice in cultural narratives.

Counter-hegemony: The opposition to dominant cultural narratives and ideologies, often emerging from marginalized groups who seek to challenge and redefine societal norms.