Antonio Francesco Gramsci: The Origins and Originator of the Concept of Hegemony

Antonio Francesco Gramsci, most widely known for his theory of hegemony, is a thought leader who has made significant contributions to education, philosophy, and politics. Born in Ales on the island of Sardinia and imprisoned in Italy in 1926, Gramsci died while incarcerated. Having never published books while imprisoned, most of his published works while alive came by way of his role as a journalist and political leader. His biggest contributions to education and politics came by way of having his notebooks posthumously published: These writings are known as the Prison Notebooks. One of his most noteworthy contributions to education is his theory of hegemony, which can best be understood as a means by which those in power subjugate groups or individuals in ways that are coercive, not overtly by force. It was his role in supporting the worker’s movement in rapidly industrialized areas in Italy that influenced much of his work, philosophies, and theories. This chapter not only explores the life of Antonio F. Gramsci but also more specifically focuses on his key contributions, legacy, and motivations, all of which have influenced scholars and policymakers in both the western and eastern parts of the hemisphere.