Hegemony as a means of control Flashcards
What is hegemony? Who described this means of control?
Hegemony is a situation where dominant groups in society secure the spontaneous consent of subordinate groups through the negotiated construction of a political and ideological consensus. In essence, one grows to understand and accept one’s place in society even if this reinforcers the dominance of a particular group because one deems this to be right.
Postulated by Antonio Gramsci
What is false consciousness?
The false belief that hegemony is right and beneficial for the subordinated groups. This links to meritocracy - the idea that one’s social situation is somehow deserved.
Which Liberian pan-Africanist identified the process of hegemony occuring in his homeland? In what way was the hegemony expressed?
Edward Wilmot Blyden - black people accept the misrepresentations about their ethnicity because they grow up with such ideas and are taught such ideas.
In what four ways could hegemony be established by the British in their colonies?
- Ritual: the introduction of British rituals or the co-option of indigenous rituals to legitimise rule
- Colonial Knowledge: to understand how the society functions in the colony and potentially to exploit this knowledge to create a false consciousness
- Negotiation and Collaboration: traditional power elites legitimised British power and reinforced the social ideology which maintained British authority.
- Public transcript: understanding of the different respective roles of colonisers and the colonised which had to be fulfilled. Assumptions about superiority and inferiority.
When was the Star of India created? How did it contribute to hegemony?
1861 - it was a British honour which was granted to indigenous Indians as a reward for loyal service. It reinforced the authority of the British monarchy who had the power to grant such a knighthood.
Which ritual did the British co-opt in Ceylon to strengthen hegemony?
The British became custodians of the Buddha’s tooth - a sacred relic which meant that the holder had the divine right to rule
Which ritual did the British co-opt from the Mau Mau during the rebellion there 1952-60?
Mau Mau oathing practices - a way to create a cultural symbol of solidarity between natives and the colonial government. It served as an excuse for exerting control over the indigenous Mau Mau.
What did British troops do in Malta to exploit hegemony?
They took part in traditional Catholic processions there to create a religious bond with the indigenous people. This legitimised their authority.
When did Queen Victoria obtain the title of “Empress of India”? How does this relate to hegemony?
1876 - made her appear like a descendant of the Mughal emperors who legitimately ruled India previously
Who wrote that “The colonial officer must study… every native custom”?
Hugh Clifford, British colonial officer in the Malay Peninsula
In what way did the British skew social stereotypes in India to reinforce hegemonic control?
Sikhs were praised as martial races, similar to the Nepalese Gurkhas - they were thus incorporated heavily into the army due to their loyalty during the Indian Rebellion. Meanwhile, educated Bengalis were ridiculed and marginalised due to the threat they could pose to British governance due to their organisation and knowledge.
Where did the British utilise exisiting social hierarchies and elites to rule the colonies?
India (princes), Nigeria (Emirs), and Malaysia (Sultans)
How was the Brahmin caste exploited by the British?
They let the Brahmins retain their traditional status as superior so long as they remained loyal unto the British
Who wrote: “Never forget that unless the outward and visible signs of our authority are always before a native, he is incapable as a child of understanding was authority means”. What hegemonic factor does this relate to?
Rudyard Kipling in the late C19th. Related to public transcript.
Who wrote: “I realised that I should have to shoot the elephant.. The people expected it of me”
George Orwell (Burmese policeman in the 1920s)
