What is meant by "cultural hegemony"?

Cultural hegemony refers to the dominance of certain cultural practices and values over others, shaping how societies understand and engage with culture. This concept, introduced by the Italian philosopher Antonio Gramsci, explains how dominant groups maintain their power not just through force, but by crafting cultural norms and ideologies that are accepted as the 'norm' or 'common sense' within a society.

This dominance can manifest in various forms, such as media representation, educational curricula, and social institutions, which tend to reinforce the superiority of the dominant culture while marginalizing or undermining others. By establishing cultural hegemony, dominant groups can influence perceptions, behaviors, and even beliefs, often leading to a society where alternative perspectives and cultural practices are undervalued or ignored.

In contrast, the other options reflect different aspects of cultural interactions that do not align with the idea of one culture dominating another. The concept of coexistence without conflict, the mutual influence among cultures, and the promotion of cultural exchange do not adequately capture the essence of cultural hegemony, which emphasizes the power dynamics at play in the cultural landscape. Thus, the correct understanding of cultural hegemony is its role in establishing and maintaining cultural dominance.