[BEST OF] Antonio Gramsci: Hegemony, Organic Intellectuals, & Italian Fascism
May 6, 2025
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Jon Greenaway, a writer and horror podcast co-host, along with Brenden Leahy, a punk band member and Marxism podcaster, dive into Antonio Gramsci's revolutionary legacy. They discuss cultural hegemony and the importance of organic intellectuals in building counter-hegemonic institutions. The conversation highlights Gramsci's fierce opposition to Italian fascism, his impactful prison writings, and how his theories continue to resonate in today's socio-political climate. Their insights underscore the relevance of Gramsci's thought in modern activism and political strategy.
Antonio Gramsci's concept of cultural hegemony illustrates how the ruling class maintains power through ideological consent rather than just coercion.
The theory of organic intellectuals emphasizes the importance of representatives from the working class in advocating for social change.
Gramsci critiques orthodox Marxism for its economism, asserting that cultural and ideological engagement is crucial for fostering revolutionary momentum.
His legacy encourages modern activists to persist in intellectual engagement and focus on cultural struggles to achieve systemic change.
Deep dives
Overview of Antonio Gramsci's Significance
Antonio Gramsci is recognized as one of the most influential Marxist thinkers of the 20th century, primarily known for his contributions to the understanding of cultural hegemony and the role of intellectuals in society. His work, especially in the 'Prison Notebooks,' emphasizes how capitalist societies maintain control not only through economic means but also through cultural and ideological consent. Gramsci's insights highlight the importance of ideology in shaping societal norms and the necessity for revolutionary movements to engage with culture, advocating for political education and intellectual engagement among the working class to challenge the status quo.
Gramsci's Life and Political Involvements
Born in 1891 in Sardinia, Gramsci's upbringing in a politically tumultuous Italy profoundly shaped his worldview and commitment to social justice. His early involvement in socialist journalism and political organizations, including the Italian Socialist Party, positioned him as a key figure in the struggle against the growing fascist movement. Gramsci's political activism was characterized by his recognition of the need for a comprehensive understanding of class dynamics, which ultimately led to his arrest and imprisonment by Mussolini's regime, where he continued to develop his theories despite harsh conditions.
Concept of Hegemony
Central to Gramsci's thought is the concept of hegemony, which explains how the ruling class maintains its dominance not merely through coercion but by shaping the cultural and ideological frameworks that define societal norms. He argued that consent plays a crucial role in this domination, as individuals often accept and internalize values that align with the interests of the ruling class. This understanding calls for a proactive approach from leftist movements to challenge and reshape these dominant ideologies, positing that true revolutionary potential lies within a cultural struggle alongside economic upheaval.
The Role of Organic Intellectuals
Gramsci introduced the idea of 'organic intellectuals' as individuals who emerge from within the working class and possess the ability to articulate the experiences and aspirations of their class. Unlike traditional intellectuals, organic intellectuals are deeply rooted in the material conditions of their social environment and actively engage in the struggle for liberation. This concept underscores the necessity for revolutionary movements to cultivate a cadre of leaders who resonate with the populace, facilitating the movement's ability to connect with and mobilize the masses toward social change.
Critique of Economism
One of Gramsci's significant critiques of orthodox Marxism is its reliance on economism—the idea that economic conditions alone determine historical outcomes and the inevitability of revolution. He argued that this perspective overlooks the complexities of cultural and ideological factors that contribute to social dynamics and consciousness. Gramsci emphasized that waiting for a purely economic crisis to spur revolution is insufficient; instead, ongoing political education and cultural engagement are essential for fostering a revolutionary climate among the working class.
Legacy and Relevance Today
Gramsci's insights remain profoundly relevant in contemporary discussions about social movements and strategies for achieving systemic change. His emphasis on the cultural dimensions of power suggests that modern movements must prioritize ideological struggle, education, and the creation of counter-hegemonic narratives to challenge prevailing norms. As the political landscape evolves, revolutionaries can draw from Gramsci's work to understand the importance of building broad alliances, raising class consciousness, and actively engaging with cultural institutions to foster a more equitable society.
The Importance of Continuous Engagement
Gramsci exemplified the value of persistence and intellectual engagement even in the face of oppression. His ability to continue developing his theories while imprisoned for his political beliefs illustrates the importance of resilience in revolutionary thought. The legacy of Gramsci encourages contemporary activists to remain dedicated to learning, organizing, and connecting with their communities, emphasizing that revolutionary potential lies not only in the pursuit of immediate goals but also in the ongoing struggle for a transformative cultural landscape.
In this episode, Jon Greenaway and Brenden Leahy return to the show and join Breht to explore the life, thought, and revolutionary legacy of Antonio Gramsci—the Italian Marxist theorist who redefined how we understand power, ideology, and resistance. We break down Gramsci’s key concepts, including cultural hegemony, the role of organic intellectuals, and the importance of building counter-hegemonic institutions. We also examine his fierce opposition to Italian fascism, his imprisonment by Mussolini, and how his prison notebooks continue to offer critical insights for revolutionary struggle today. This is an accessible yet deep dive into one of the most original Marxist thinkers of the 20th century—essential listening for anyone serious about strategy, ideology, and the long war of position.
