What does the term hegemony refer to in social contexts?

Hegemony in social contexts refers to the ability of a dominant group to gain voluntary consent and support from the masses for its dominance, rather than relying on coercion or force. This concept was notably developed by the Italian Marxist thinker Antonio Gramsci, who highlighted how dominant groups maintain power through cultural and ideological means, shaping societal values, norms, and beliefs in a way that aligns with their interests.

For instance, a dominant culture may influence societal norms and expectations, making its values appear as the "normal" or "natural" way of life, thereby ensuring that the majority of people support or accept these norms without explicit coercion. This voluntary consent can manifest in various ways, such as through education, media, and cultural institutions, which propagate the dominant group's worldview.

Understanding hegemony allows sociologists to analyze how power dynamics operate within societies and how consent can be produced through shared beliefs and values, rather than just through enforced laws or direct coercion.