By: Yahya Thabit

In his Prison Notebooks, political theorist Antonio Gramsci details several theories in which the relationships between the state and its ruling are concerned. Through his discussions, Gramsci focuses on several institutions and social relations in order to explain the prevalent constructions in which capitalism is able to maintain and control its dominance.

In what follows, I will focus on the importance of concepts such as hegemony to the bourgeoisie and also illustrate the significant roles that concepts such as civil society, ideology, and intellectuals play in determining the dominant ruling class. I will pursue to explain such relations in a three-fold process.

First, I will present Gramsci’s theory of hegemony. This is essential for not only will it help formulate a foundation for understanding Gramsci’s ideas, but also because it will assist in identifying the relationships that exist between the concepts I will present in the latter part of my paper.

Second, I will indulge in a discussion on the state and civil society with respects to its ties and relationship to the concept of hegemony.

Lastly, I will explain the importance of intellectuals and the role that the concept has on the theory of hegemony.”

Download the paper: Antonio Gramsci – The Relation Between The Concepts of Hegemony, Civil Society, And Intellectuals