Antonio Gramsci: Analyzing Conflict and Social Hegemony

By WPS News Political Correspondent
Baybay City | June 15, 2025

Antonio Gramsci, an Italian Marxist philosopher and communist politician, left a profound legacy through his insightful analysis of the role of conflict in establishing social hegemony. Writing in the early 20th century, Gramsci’s work remains pivotal in understanding how power dynamics and ideological struggles shape societies. His theories on cultural hegemony and the interplay of conflict have become foundational in political and social theory, influencing a wide array of fields including sociology, political science, and cultural studies.

Gramsci was a leading figure in the Italian Communist Party and spent much of his life grappling with the complexities of power and class struggle. He believed that in addition to economic control, ruling classes maintain power through cultural norms and institutions, a concept he referred to as “cultural hegemony.” Unlike traditional Marxist thought, which often focused solely on economic relationships, Gramsci emphasized the importance of ideology and culture in maintaining the status quo.

One of Gramsci’s key insights was that social change often arises from conflicts between different classes and ideologies. He argued that these struggles are not merely economic but also involve cultural and political dimensions. For Gramsci, the ruling class does not only exploit the working class through economic means but also seeks to dominate them ideologically. By establishing a dominant culture and worldview, the ruling class can maintain control without constant recourse to force.

According to Gramsci, this hegemony is never fully stable or uncontested. It is continually challenged and reshaped by the conflicts and contradictions inherent in society. For instance, when subordinate classes or groups resist the dominant ideology, whether through labor strikes, intellectual debates, or social movements, they create opportunities for societal shifts. These struggles can lead to significant change, altering the balance of power and potentially leading to new hegemonies.

Gramsci’s focus on the role of intellectuals in these struggles is particularly noteworthy. He saw intellectuals not merely as thinkers detached from society but as active participants in shaping and contesting hegemonies. He distinguished between “traditional” intellectuals, who perpetuate the status quo, and “organic” intellectuals, who emerge from and champion the interests of oppressed groups. By influencing culture and ideology, organic intellectuals can play a crucial role in challenging existing power structures and promoting transformative agendas.

War and conflict, according to Gramsci, also play complex roles in the dynamics of power and hegemony. While overt conflict such as war can radically reshape societies, Gramsci was more interested in the less visible, protracted “war of position” that takes place within the cultural and ideological spheres. This type of conflict involves slow and sustained efforts to win hearts and minds, gradually shifting perceptions and allegiances. Through this struggle, marginalized groups can build momentum and eventually achieve systemic change.

Gramsci’s ideas about hegemony and conflict resonate in contemporary discussions about power and societal change. Today, movements around the world continue to grapple with issues of inequality, ideology, and cultural dominance. Gramsci’s theories help explain how these struggles unfold and why cultural battles are as crucial as economic ones.

In conclusion, Antonio Gramsci’s analysis of conflict and hegemony offers a powerful lens through which to understand the dynamics of power in society. By highlighting the roles of culture, ideology, and intellectuals, Gramsci provides a framework for analyzing how societies maintain and challenge their existing power structures. His legacy endures as scholars and activists continue to explore the intersections of power, culture, and resistance in the ongoing quest for social justice and equity.