Gramsci's Marxism

Question 1

What type of Marxist is Gramsci?

Answer 1

Humanistic- some similarities with social action theories

Question 2

What are the two ways that the ruling class maintains dominance?

Answer 2

Coercion

Hegemony- use of ideas to persuade the subordinate class that its rule is legitimate

Question 3

Why is hegemony never complete? (2 reasons)

Answer 3

The ruling class are a minority so they must create a power bloc of alliances with MC which forces them to compromise

Proletariat have a dual consciousness- partially influenced by the exploitation they experience

Question 4

When is hegemony most likely to be undermined? How does a revolution happen?

Answer 4

Economic crises which worsen the material conditions of the proletariat and increase proverty

When the proletariat make a counter hegemomic bloc by producing its own organic intellectuals to form a political party

Question 5

Criticism of Gramsci’s use of ideas

Answer 5

Overemphasises the role of ideas and underemphasises the role of coercion and economic factors e.g. workers may not overthrow the system because of a fear of unemployment