Cultural Hegemony

            John Gaventa stated that people should not ask why rebellions occur in a democracy. They should ask why in the face of so many inequalities it does not. This is evident by the beliefs of elite theorists. They believe that unequal power relationships between two or more cultures, ideologies, socioeconomic groups and others are justified. In contrast to the traditional democratic theory which holds that social order is based on public consensus. What is probably more surprising is that even though a small group of citizens control the political and economic institutions, shape the civic beliefs, values, and behavior of most of the population, social order is maintained through the cooperation of citizens. This is due to that fact that the general population is socialized into accepting these inequalities.

One reason why the general population accepts this domination is due to education, which elite institutions and people control. Although education agencies and the government assign a curriculum for districts and educators to follow, there is a hidden curriculum that many times is ignored. Walter Karp has questioned the purpose of school reform and in turn the purpose of the assigned curriculum. He believes that schools are accomplishing what they were designed to do, socialize people to be compliant, poorly informed about democratic practices, and not to think critically. In social studies classes many truths are withhold and students are told to mostly to accept the ideals of the elite, even though the constitution gives citizens the right go against government with arms. Every morning millions of students rise to pledge allegiance to a flag, which is a sign of respect. Yet, when a student refuses to stand, he is lectured, punished, and in some cases even taken to court. Students are told that the way they participate in government is through voting, but they are not told how that a small elite group is really in power and that affect the power of their vote.

Yet, the belief cultural hegemony makes me question the importance of both cultural pluralism and assimilation. I believe that the elite institutions that control most of the nation’s wealth and power are not affected by either. If a culture is assimilated, that does not make them part of the elite. If cultural pluralism has more control, it does not make them part of the elite. It is even better for these elite institutions to continue the debate, because it takes away the focus on them and makes socializes citizens.

Education for its own sake versus for a particular purpose is now an ongoing debate. Although curriculum for college readiness, specific careers, or even for character building now exists, the curriculum is more for individual purpose. I believe that education should have purpose, but at the same time I believe that the elite institutions controlling the nation do exist and will continue to rule. The majority of citizens can use education for personal improvement and for their personal pursuit of happiness. As long as these elite institutions do not take this rights from us, education is the key for personal happiness in this society.