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hegemony

hih-JEM-uh-nee /hɪˈɡem.ə.ni/

nounC2GREGMATUPSC

academicpolitical

Leadership or dominance, especially by one country, state, or social group over others.

In sociology/political science, it specifically denotes dominance maintained through cultural norms and consent rather than just force.

The story behind the word. Originates from ancient Greece, where 'hegemonia' referred to the political and military dominance of one city-state (such as Sparta or Athens) over other city-states in a league. Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci later repurposed it in the 20th century to describe cultural dominance.

Word relationships

dominance: 'Dominance' can be raw physical power, whereas 'hegemony' emphasizes structural and cultural authority.
supremacy: 'Supremacy' stresses absolute top position, while 'hegemony' stresses active leadership and sway.

subordination: 'Subordination' is the state of being placed in a lower or controlled rank.

Commonly confused with

harmony: 'Harmony' means agreement or peace; 'hegemony' means political dominance.

Word family

hegemonic (adjective): Ruling or dominant in a political or social context.
hegemon (noun): A dominant state or political entity.

Collocations

cultural hegemony
regional hegemony
global hegemony
challenge hegemony

Example sentences

"The nation sought to expand its regional hegemony through economic aid and military presence." Geopolitics
"Gramsci argued that cultural hegemony allows ruling classes to maintain power by shaping popular common sense." Cultural theory

Memory hook

HE-GEMON-y: think of a 'HE-man' LEADER (hegemon) dominating the room. Dominance through systemic leadership.

When not to use

Do not use for simple personal leadership or small-scale management.

Fun facts

Antonio Gramsci wrote his famous theories on 'cultural hegemony' while imprisoned in Fascist Italy, filling 33 notebooks in his cell.