Hegemony
/hɪˈɡɛməni/
nounC2
Definition
Hegemony is when one group, country, or organization has strong influence or control over others. This control can be in many areas like politics, culture, or money. It often means that the powerful group decides important things for others.
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See It in Action
Political or social control by one group over others
- •The country's hegemony in the region lasted for decades.
- •Cultural hegemony can shape what people think is normal or important.
- •Some argue that global hegemony is held by powerful nations.
Influence in economics or culture
- •The company's economic hegemony makes it hard for others to compete.
- •Media hegemony affects which ideas are popular worldwide.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "hegemony" like "power," but more about one group leading or controlling many others, not just being strong alone.
- ✓Picture a big tree with many smaller plants growing under it; the big tree controls the sunlight and space.
- ✓It feels like when one person or team always makes the rules in a game, and others follow without choice.
- ✓Sounds like "he-GEM-o-ny" → imagine a shiny gem that is the center of attention and controls the light around it.
- ✓Think of famous empires in history, like the Roman Empire, which had hegemony over many lands.
- ✓NOT like "friendship" (equal relationship), hegemony is about one side having more control or power.
- ✓NOT like "competition" (where groups are equal and try to win), hegemony means one group already leads or dominates.
- ✓NOT like "rule" (which can be small or local), hegemony often means wide or long-lasting influence over many.
Try Other Words
- •Dominance: control or influence over others (Use when emphasizing clear control or superiority)
- •Authority: the right or power to make decisions (Use when focusing on official or legal control)
- •Control: the ability to direct or manage (Use when talking about practical or direct management)
- •Supremacy: the state of being the best or highest in power (Use when highlighting the highest level of power)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Greek "hegemon" meaning leader + suffix "-y" meaning condition or state
- •Etymology: Greek origin, originally meaning leadership or rule
- •Historical development: First used in English in the 19th century to describe political or social dominance
- •Modern usage: Used in politics, sociology, and cultural studies to describe one group's influence over others
Reflect & Connect
•How can hegemony affect the culture and ideas people believe in daily life?
•Can hegemony exist without force or violence? How do groups keep control in peaceful ways?
Fill in the blanks
1.The country's hegemony ___ the smaller neighboring states to follow its laws and policies.
2.Cultural hegemony often ___ what people think is normal or acceptable.
3.Unlike equal partnerships, hegemony means one group has ___ control over others.
4.Sometimes, businesses use their hegemony to ___ competitors from the market.
5.Hegemony can last a long time because it is not only about force but also about ___ influence.
6.When a group loses its hegemony, it usually ___ power to others.
7.Media hegemony ___ which stories and ideas become popular worldwide.