Hegemony Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hegemony
[hɪˈdʒɛməni ]
Definition
political
Leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others.
Synonyms
control, dominance, supremacy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hegemony |
Used typically in political or social contexts to describe the dominance of one group or nation over others, often in a subtle or indirect manner.
|
| dominance |
Used to describe a state of having more power, influence, or success than others, often in a competitive context.
|
| supremacy |
Indicates the highest position of power or authority in a certain area, often implying superiority or preeminence and sometimes carrying negative connotations related to arrogance or unfairness.
|
| control |
Used in a wide range of contexts to indicate the direct power or authority over people, systems, or processes.
|
Examples of usage
- The country established its hegemony over the region through military conquest.
- The corporation sought to maintain its hegemony in the market by acquiring smaller competitors.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Political Science
- Hegemony is often examined in Marxist theory, where the ruling class maintains dominance by shaping cultural norms.
- Gramsci introduced the idea of cultural hegemony, where consent is manufactured in society to support the ruling elite.
- Countries can exert hegemony through various means, including military power, economic influence, and cultural dominance.
History
- The British Empire was a classic example of hegemony, dominating global trade and politics in the 19th century.
- The Cold War era saw the USA and USSR competing for global hegemony, influencing various regions through alliances and conflicts.
- Emerging economies like China are viewed as challenging the hegemony established by Western powers in recent decades.
Cultural Studies
- Media plays a crucial role in shaping public perception, often reflecting the values and beliefs of the hegemonic culture.
- Consumer culture can also perpetuate hegemony by favoring products and ideas from dominant groups over local or minority alternatives.
- Debates around 'woke' culture often touch on issues of hegemony, questioning who holds the power in societal narratives.
International Relations
- The concept of hegemony is pivotal in understanding global power dynamics, particularly in a unipolar versus multipolar world.
- Regional powers can exert hegemony over smaller nations, influencing their policies and aligning them with their interests.
- Soft power, which includes cultural diplomacy and international aid, is a strategy to achieve hegemony without direct force.
Origin of 'hegemony'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Greek word 'hegemon,' meaning leader or guide.
- It originally referred to the leadership of city-states in Ancient Greece.
- The usage evolved in the 20th century, especially in political science and international relations.
The term "hegemony" originated from the Greek word "hegemonia", meaning leadership or rule. It was first used in the context of ancient Greece to describe the dominant city-state in a political alliance. Over time, the concept evolved to refer to the leadership or dominance of one entity over others, whether in political, economic, or cultural spheres. The idea of hegemony has been widely discussed in political theory, particularly in relation to power dynamics between nations and social groups.