Foucault’s Discourse and Gramsci’s Hegemony as Instruments of Critical Engagement in the Age of Globalization

Abstract

This contribution compares discourse and hegemony through their distinctive elaboration in the humanities and the social sciences by two major twentieth century theoreticians, Michel Foucault and Antonio Gramsci. In discourse Foucault unmasks the speaker’s – or the scientist’s - conscious and unconscious intentions in representing phenomena as if they were part of a coherent and readable whole. This whole results from an ensemble of discursive practices which prescribe what can be accepted and what has to be excluded within a certain social formation, a body of recognized and authoritative knowledge crucial in managing and maintaining power. Gramsci also acknowledges a close link between knowledge and power, but his idea of hegemony, unlike foucauldian discourse, does not deny the possibility of political agency through which individuals can forge a political strategy to improve their lot. Discourse and hegemony are nowadays essential tools for gauging social confrontations and understanding forms of coercion or negotiations in cultural exchange.

Keywords

• Gramsci
• Foucault
• Edward Said
• Discorso
• Egemonia