This document discusses key concepts in cultural studies such as culture, ideology, hegemony, and counter-hegemony. It defines culture as the norms, values, and understandings that help people make sense of their reality. Ideology refers to the framework people use to understand existence. Hegemony is the dominance of one social group over others through influencing ideas and beliefs. Counter-hegemony involves using hegemonic behaviors to challenge domination. The document asks if there are beliefs not influenced by the dominant culture, and if so, where they originated.

1. Cultural Studies Steve Gibson

2. First Assumption Culture pervades and invades all facets of human behavior Need a different meaning for culture The various norms, ideas, values, and forms of understanding in a society that help people interpret their reality All a part of a culture’s ideology Ideology – framework used to makes sense of our existence

3. First Assumption Cont. Cultural practices and institutions permeate our ideologies “ All groups are constantly engaged in creating and remaking meaning systems and embodying these meanings in expressive forms, social practices, and institutions”- Graham Murdock Culture wars – cultural struggles over meaning, identity, and influence Many behaviors that we practice daily, and others that are less frequent

4. Second Assumption People are part of a hierarchical structure of power Meaning and power are closely related Power is something subordinate groups desire but cannot achieve

5. The Media Ultimate source of power Hall argues that no institution should have the power to decide what the public hears Choose what is important Tool of the dominant class

6. Hegemony Defined as the influence, power, or dominance of one social group over another Idea can be traced back to Antonio Gramsci One of the founders of the Italian Communist Party Based on false consciousness Belief that people are unaware of the domination in their lives People will consent to the ideologies of the dominant culture if they are given “rights” Freedoms, material goods, etc.

7. Hegemony Cont. Theatre of Struggle Competition of various cultural ideologies Ex. Women’s rights prior to 1920 and women’s rights after 1920 or African American rights prior to the 60s and after the 60s

8. Counter-Hegemony People use hegemonic behaviors to challenge the domination in their lives The Cosby Show

9. Personal Experience Over the span of my life The Beatles The Beach Boys Classic rock-> Duran Duran, Aerosmith, Guns ‘N Roses, etc. Rap Rock/Metal/Punk/Hardcore

10. Discussion Question Are there beliefs or qualities that people or yourself possess that cannot be influenced by the dominant culture? If so, where did these beliefs originate?