Language and Hegemony in Gramsci

Language and Hegemony in Gramsci introduces Gramscis social and political thought through his writings on language. It shows how his focus on language illuminates his central ideas such as hegemony, organic and traditional intellectuals, passive revolution, civil society and subalternity. Peter Ives explores Gramscis concern with language from his university studies in linguistics to his last prison notebook. Hegemony has been seen as Gramscis most important contribution, but without knowledge of its linguistic roots, it is often misunderstood. This book places Gramscis ideas within the linguistically influenced social theory of the twentieth century. It summarizes some of the major ideas of Ferdinand de Saussure, Ludwig Wittgenstein, language philosophy and post-structuralism in relation to Gramscis position. By paying great attention to the linguistic underpinnings of Gramsci's Marxism, Language and Hegemony in Gramsci shows how his theorization of power, language and politics address issues raised by post-modernism and the work of Michel Foucault, Jacques Derrida, Chantal Mouffe, and Ernesto Laclau.