Introduction
Hegemony of power is a concept that explains how a dominant group maintains its control not only through coercion but also through social and cultural consent. Antonio Gramsci, an Italian philosopher and political activist, developed this theory by emphasizing that power does not only operate through the military or law but also through control over ideology, education, and media.
In modern life, hegemony can be seen in various aspects such as politics, media, and economics. This article will discuss how hegemony works and provide specific examples from different social contexts.
Definition of Hegemony of Power
Simply put, hegemony is the dominance of one group over another through ideologically formed consent rather than mere coercion. According to Gramsci, the ruling class not only controls economic resources but also shapes people's ways of thinking so that they accept the existing system as something natural and unchangeable.
For example, in many capitalist countries, people tend to believe that an individual's success depends entirely on hard work. This narrative makes society accept economic inequality as something natural, even though structural factors (such as access to education and capital) significantly influence success.
Mechanisms of Hegemony in Society
Gramsci distinguishes two ways in which power is maintained:
1. Coercion (Force)
Power uses state instruments such as the police, military, and law to suppress resistance.
Examples:
During the New Order era in Indonesia, Soeharto’s government used the military to silence critics, arrest activists, and ban organizations considered to oppose the government.
In China, the government strictly controls internet access and social media to prevent the spread of information that could threaten the stability of the Communist Party’s rule.
2. Consensus (Social Agreement through Ideology)
Power maintains its dominance by shaping people’s ways of thinking through education, media, religion, and culture.
Examples:
Mass Media as a Tool of Hegemony
In the United States, the media often portrays capitalism as the only legitimate economic system, while socialism and communism are framed as threats. This makes it difficult for people to imagine alternative economic systems.
In Indonesia, for decades after the 1965 events, the government controlled the historical narrative about G30S/PKI, leading people to believe that the event was purely a communist rebellion without considering other perspectives.
Education as an Ideological Instrument
In many countries, history curricula are often designed to reinforce the legitimacy of the government. For example, in Japan, some textbooks downplay or even eliminate discussions about the atrocities committed by the Japanese army during World War II to create a more positive national image.
Religion and Morality
In some countries, religious teachings are used to reinforce power. For example, in Saudi Arabia, conservative laws are maintained to uphold the ruling family's power under the guise of enforcing Islamic teachings.
The Role of Intellectuals in Hegemony
Gramsci introduced the concept of "organic intellectuals", individuals from the lower class who challenge the existing system and raise critical awareness. They play a crucial role in ensuring that society does not passively accept the dominant ideology.
Conversely, there are also "traditional intellectuals", such as academics, officials, and religious leaders, who often reinforce the ruling class's hegemony.
Examples:
Organic Intellectuals:
Malala Yousafzai from Pakistan, who opposed Taliban domination and fought for girls’ education rights.
Noam Chomsky, an academic who frequently criticizes U.S. foreign policy and corporate influence over the media.
Traditional Intellectuals:
Certain media and academics who support neoliberal policies by arguing that "the free market is the best path to economic prosperity," despite significant evidence that this system increases social inequality.
Hegemony in the Modern Context
Hegemony remains highly relevant in the modern world. Here are some real-world examples of how hegemony operates in everyday life:
1. Hegemony in Social Media
Social media algorithms like Facebook and YouTube often reinforce dominant discourses. For example, in Western countries, pro-capitalist news is more widely promoted, while critical perspectives on the economic system are often sidelined from mainstream discourse.
In Indonesia, many "buzzers" (paid influencers) are used to shape public opinion on political issues, making it easier for the government to implement policies without significant criticism.
2. Hegemony in Popular Culture
Hollywood often portrays the United States as the world’s savior in films like Captain America or Top Gun, reinforcing the country’s image as a global moral authority.
The global beauty industry promotes Eurocentric beauty standards (fair skin, slim body) as the ideal, leading many people in developing countries to use skin-whitening products or undergo plastic surgery to meet these standards.
3. Hegemony in the Workplace
The culture in many major corporations promotes "hustle culture" (endless work) as a positive thing, making workers accept long hours as normal, even though it harms their health.
In some countries, labor unions are weakened through strict regulations, reducing workers' ability to demand their rights.
Conclusion
The hegemony of power shows that dominance is not only maintained through physical force but also through control over ideology and culture. By understanding how hegemony works, society can be more critical of the information it receives and more aware of the structures of power that exist.
In the modern era, hegemony continues to evolve through media, education, and economics. Therefore, the role of organic intellectuals and critical awareness is becoming increasingly important in creating a more just social change.