Ideologia

Define 1) ideology 2) hegemony. How are these concepts linked? Draw on theoretical texts and illustrate with reference to cultural examples

Ideology and hegemony are interlinked concepts with a historical background and theoretical roots that can be traced back as far back as the 18th century. The two concepts contributed to the development of Marxist thought throughout the 20th century toexplain social order. Sociological debates have resulted on whether ideational or coercive factors provide the central basis of social order (Sallach, 1974). The definitions and implications of the terms vary from school of thought to thinker. This essay will focus firstly on the definition of ideology and hegemony and secondly on the relationship between the terms. It will be argued drawing upon theworks of Marx, Louis Althusser and Antonio Gramsci. Concluding that a hegemony can be based upon and ideology even though an ideology does not necessarily have to be hegemonic.

Ideology is an abstract term introduced in the 1700's by french philosopher Count Destutt Tracy to describe the “science of ideas” (Dupre, 1983). The concept was later most simplistically described by Raymond Williams(1977) as “a system of beliefs characteristic of a particular class or group”. The term refers to an idea or a viewpoint that contributes to the formation of culture or a world view. In the earlier models of ideology, Marx brought forth the concept of “false consciousness” as he believed that people submit to a ruling authority not because they are coerced, but rather because they are convincedthat they have the legitimate right to exercise such authority (Plamenatz, 1970). This theory suggests that society looks past negative aspects such as oppression and exploitation, as we unconsciously classify them as “too obvious” to question.

A distinct example is the Nike Scandal in the 1990’s when several news reports exposed the working conditions that Nike employees were subject to inplaces like Singapore making as little as $1.30 a day. Dismissing this thought, customers continue to purchase products from this brand regardless of the production process.

However, Althusser develops a realist approach describing ideology as the “medium through which we experience the world” (Curran, 1982). Althusser presented the term “Ideological State Apparatus or ISA's” that is sustained bycultural institutions: education system, church, family, media, religion and culture. In contrast to the theories proposed by Marx, the ISA's obtain free willed cooperation providing individual's with a choice of what in reality is being imposed (Althusser, 1989). Althusser's concept highlights those institutions which function to maintain and preserve the means of production primarily thoughideology.

An example of how ideology is presented in the media can be seen in the disney movie Wall E, which at a first glance can be seen as another tale for kids. However when digging deeper, the ideological message comes across. The earth has become so polluted that humans have abandoned the planet, and given the role of improving it to technology. The movie can be seen as a warning abouttoday, not as a glimpse of the future. It depicts Americans as too reliant on technology, and they must change their ways or their children will end up like Wall E. The film relies on the audience’s ideological belief that the benefits of a technological world are outweighed by those of a natural world (Murray, 2009).

Likewise hegemony has been defined, shaped, and redefined throughout history. Theterm derives from the greek word Hegemonia which means the authority or rule of a dynasty. Hegemony simplistically means having dominance, leadership or influence over others. The concept began to be used in the 19th century during the period of colonialism to describe the predominance of european countries over the Americas, Asia and Africa (Bullock, 1999). In the 20th century, the term...