What does 'hegemony' refer to in Social-Cultural approaches?

Hegemony refers to the dominance of one group over others, significantly influencing cultural beliefs and practices. In the context of social-cultural approaches, it highlights how certain groups maintain power and influence over societal norms and values, often without overt coercion. This dominance can shape the way people think, behave, and interact within a culture, leading to the acceptance of certain ideologies as 'normal' and marginalizing opposing perspectives.

Understanding hegemony is crucial for analyzing how cultural narratives are constructed and disseminated. It illustrates the subtle ways through which power dynamics operate within society, reinforcing the status quo and making it challenging for alternative voices and practices to gain traction. This concept invites a critical examination of how societal values are upheld and contested.