Gramsci Flashcards
How does Gramsci explain the Russian Revolution?
Gramsci claims the Russian Revolution was a result of Marxist ideology, not economic laws.
How is Gramsci’s take on the Russian Revolution a critique of Marx?
His interpretation implies that Marx’s ‘science’ was wrong, that Marx was too positivist. Instead, contra Marx, ideas matter more than material reality.
What is the difference between the East (Russia) and the West (Europe)?
In Russia, political society existed, but civil society was undeveloped. In the West, both exist and are entangled.
What is the state according to Gramsci?
Political society (Lenin’s state) + civil society. It justifies and maintains the dominance of the ruling class and attempts to win the consent of the dominated. This is the expanded state.
What is civil society according to Gramsci?
The collection of small, private organizations (media, unions, churches, parties) engaged in spreading ideas.
What is hegemony?
Relation of domination with two forms: 1) force + consent 2) one group represents its interests as the interests of all (through material concessions)
What does revolution in the West look like?
A growth in class consciousness from the economic-corporate level, the economic class level, and last, the hegemonic level. Civil society is transformed in the process.
What is a war of position?
A reorganization of civil society through the reorganization of ideologies.
What is Gramsci’s theory of intellectuals?
Two distinct types: traditional and organic. Traditional are relics, organic have deep ties to a particular class or layer. Organic intellectuals lead the working class in a war of position.
What does socialism look like for Gramsci?
The transition to socialism occurs with the growth of civil society. Once this reaches a certain point the oppressive apparatus begins to wither away.
Problems with Lenin’s theory?
1) ambiguity of capitalist democracy 2) Contradiction between repression and transition to democracy 3) communism plausible
What is a war of manoeuvre?
A frontal attack on the state, as Lenin advocated
