Neo- marxism Gramsci

Question 1

What are the two types of neo-marxism?

Answer 1

• humanistic
• structural

Question 2

what is meant by humanistic marxism?

Answer 2

similarities to action theories ( we control our actions)

Question 3

What is structural marxism?

Answer 3

society controls our actions

Question 4

What type of neo-marxist is Gramsci?

Answer 4

Humanistic thinker

Question 5

What is meant by the term hegemony?

Answer 5

Ruling classes use its ideas and values to persuade subordinate classes that its rule is legitimate. - through ‘consent’

• ruling class rely on consent (acceptance) of their ideology from WC - as long as they accept there will not be a revolution.

Question 6

What are the two reasons why hegemony is never completed according to Gramsci ?

Answer 6

• Ruling class are a minority - to rule RC need to make alliances with other groups such as middle class so ‘ideological compromises’ to take account of interest of allies
• Proletariat have a dual consciousness - ideas influenced by ruling class ideology and poverty and exploitation → so to some degree can see through this dominant ideology

Question 7

When is it most likely hegemony will be undermined?

Answer 7

• So it is possible the ruling class hegemony being undermined - particularly in economic crisis
• Worsening of economic conditions = ^ poverty / ^ questioning of the norms
• But this revolution only occur if a counter-hegemonic bloc is created

Question 8

what are organic intellectuals?

Answer 8

body of class conscious workers who formulate an alternative vision

Question 9

What does Gramsci believe is needed for a WC to win the revolution?

Answer 9

• In Gramsci’s view - WC can only win this battle by producing own organic intellectuals ( body of class conscious workers who formulate an alternative vision ) → this counter-hegemony would win ideological leadership offering an alternative vision

Question 10

Evaluation

Answer 10

• Accused of overemphasise role of ideas and understating role of state cohesion and economic factors → may fear the revolution due to repression or unemployment not due to acceptance of hegemony
• Willis takes note from Gramsci’s work - focuses on lads he studied being ‘partially penetrating’ bourgeois ideology but was able to see through seeing school was a myth