The Use of Antonio Gramscis Theory of Hegemony - Essay Example

Case study: Chapter six Talking Turkey s Affiliation Business Challenge The argument between Brandon and Gabriela represents two young people who clearly depict the typical scenario of contemporary life. The discussion clearly illustrates the concept of power, ideology and hegemony. That is, both of them are being exploited through the social and economic system enforced by their employer. Unfortunately, the two young men are unaware of their predicament: exploitation. For instance, they are unaware that the wages they get does not reflect the true value of their work. Brandon works 20 hours a week but he is paid a slightly higher than the minimum wage by Baxter Company while Gabriella works for ten hours a week and he gets merely $ 400. This is one major way that Personal Greetings Company exploits Gabriella. Both the companies pay them less than they think they deserve to make. Another way to tell their exploitation is from the fact that none of them, according to the case study, has ever been credited for his work. Brandon and Gabriela seem not to have received any credit (praise or just a simple thanks you) for their work from senior staffs like the managers. The last form of exploitation comes from the fact that both of them are being overworked and mistreated. This is another typical way Baxter and Personal Greetings Company take advantage of Brandon and Gabriella. Brandon, for instance, works 20 hours a week – very long shifts perhaps with few breaks) while Gabriela is forced to do many jobs. Gabriela is even treated unfairly by Personal Greetings. He is forced to strip his clothes to in the name of working. Problem Analysis Brandon and Gabriella are two young people who clearly depict the typical scenario of exploitation in the society. Both of them are being exploited by the system in place; something that can only be explained by ideological hegemony theory. Ideological hegemony theorizes different way in which exploitation and domination are embedded within the dominant philosophies of society. Such dominant ideas have been internalized by the society and its people to the extended that the dominated and exploited give their consent to the relationships between them and the dominant group. Brandon and Gabriella seem to have given their consent to the relationship between them (the exploited) and their respective companies (the dominant group). Neither Brandon nor Gabriella is ready to accept that he is being exploited. Theory brief Based on the problem identified in the case study, Antonio Gramsci’s theory of hegemony is one theory that can explain how the concept of power and ideology work in this case. Hegemony in this case mean an “organizing principle” which is diffused through socialization into every aspect of daily life. To the extent which this dominant consciousness or principle is internalized by the general population, according to Gramsci, it becomes “common sense” so that the idea, culture, morality and needs of the dominant group (Baxter and Personal Greetings Companies in this case) comes to surfaces as the natural way of doing things. Gabriella and Brandon`s mother seems to hold a liberal ideology: a concept associated with capitalist societies who uphold that the social system, as it is, is the most moral, the best, and the most appropriate form of social setting. Gramsci’s theory attempt to connect the understanding of social injustice and privilege with an account of circulation of culture, knowledge and the production. The social production as well as the dissemination of knowledge make us “authorize” the systematic social inequity. Marxist theory also uses the concept of ideology to define the process by which the dominant philosophies within any given society mirror the interests of the economic elites. In an attempt to unravel the exploitation behind this case study, the above theory would be beneficial. Value Delivered Based on the theory and concepts described above, this section details the desirable remedies that both Brandon and Gabriella can adopt to avoid exploitation by the economic elites (Baxter and Personal Greetings Companies). First, the two must understand that they are being exploited. If they have the feeling that they are being exploited though they aren’t sure, the first thing they should do is to comprehend why exactly they have that feeling, then tackle the feeling head on. Both Brandon and Gabriella should ask themselves: Am I being paid what I truly deserve for my work? Am I treated fairly at work? Do I often feel so tired or feel muscle pain? Do I receive credit or praise for my work? If they answer “yes” to most of the questions, then the two are closer to understanding that they are being exploited. Secondly, without having to challenge the elite group directly yet, the two should also visit various websites such as employeeissues.com to help them understand what their rights are as employees, and what they can possibly do if they experience exploitation at work. That site gives comprehensive information on laws which help protect workers and can also offer services like referring them to an attorney. Thirdly, they can talk to their bosses about problems they are having but they should remain confident and unwavering in their approach. Talking to the boss with respect, but not with fear or attitude makes you look professional and most likely your distresses will be taken care of. Typically Baxter or Personal Greetings should be ready to discuss any concern put forward by the employees and help them find a way out. Maybe companies have not noticed that Brandon or Gabriella is overworked, treated unfairly, or not paid what he deserves. It happens at times, and they should be ready to give the companies the benefit of doubt. Fourthly, if the companies have human resources department, which they definitely have, it will be a good idea for Brandon and Gabriella to discuss with them their concerns. Human resources officers can probably help them understand what their rights are as workers or act as a go-between between them and companies` top managements. This can at times help if owners of the companies are difficult to handle. If they have an attorney accessible to them, this will be another invaluable remedy that can help them understand their rights as workers and can help them get legal advice. In case they do not have access to an attorney, there are numerous free attorney recommendation services they can use, such as legalmatch.com who offer free matching service to individuals and businesses. The last and final remedy to their exploitation is to quit. This may appear like a radical mean to stop their exploitation at work, but it might be the only way. Baxter and Personal Greetings may be exploiting Brandon and Gabriella because the companies know they are afraid to call it quit and they would rather accept the exploitation to happen. Brandon and Gabriella should know that they are valuable people and they should never allow someone to exploit them, particularly an employer. They must not work for their respective companies out of fear or just because they think they cannot get another job. New jobs available every day and employment agencies will always be there to help them find another job. Just as Gramsci’s theory says, Brandon and Gabriella must understand that their exploitation originates from their own internalization of the dominant consciousness or principle put forward by the elite companies. As such, their fate is in their own hands and they must not “authorize” such systematic social inequity. Read More