A Theoretical Paper on Hegemony

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A Theoretical Paper on Hegemony In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements in CA 8: Communication & Socio-Cultural Change Submitted by ESPOS, Jullienne BORJA, Ilayah EMLANO, Chynna DASALLA, Nicolo Ben MATEO, Desiree INTRODUCTION Social control and dominance for power have been present in every civilization. To remain in the seat of power and maintain control over classes or masses, several forms of government have been established and different laws, policies, and decrees had been drawn up to pacify political, economic, and social tumult. These forms of government are amended overtime, flawed bylaws and legislations are repealed, and new laws are created and implemented. Different pleas for social change have been made and ultimately, perhaps after decades of flak, social change ensues. Strange though, is how several ideologies still remain dominant and through time do not seem to ebb but rather only change form or structure, like patriarchy, racism, and other social issues. To go back on loop, this is probably why social control and dominance for power have always been present in every civilization. In order for change to occur, the people must understand that change is needed. This means a change in thinking among the individuals. Yet, this is exactly what Hegemony attempts to impede. We may define hegemony as an attempt to persuade the whole of society that a prevailing ideology and culture is really the only natural and normal way of thinking. Subsequent scholars used this as a foundation for further cultural studies particularly cultural hegemony. The origins of hegemony, how the ruling class has established hegemony, and how they maintain and control it will also be tackled in this paper. The main contributor in the study of Hegemony, Antonio Gramsci, and the historical and social context he was in during the 20th century will be
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