Hegemony is the leadership or dominant influence of one group, country, or idea over others.
From Greek “hēgemonia,” meaning leadership or dominance, from “hēgemōn” for leader. It entered English through scholarly and political writing.
Hegemony isn’t just about tanks and money; it also works through culture, language, and ideas that seem ‘normal.’ When one group’s way of seeing the world becomes invisible common sense, that’s hegemony at work.
Hegemony often includes gender hegemony, where one gender—typically men—dominates cultural, political, and economic life. Language about 'hegemonic masculinity' describes how certain masculine norms become dominant and marginalize other genders and masculinities.
When using 'hegemony', be explicit about whether gender is part of the power structure being described, rather than assuming a default male-centered perspective.
In discussions of cultural or political hegemony, include feminist and queer analyses that highlight how gendered power operates within broader hegemonic systems.
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