The Concept of Ideology: Between Hegemony and Power

Abstract

The concept of ideology is significant and vital, primarily because it plays a major role in shaping reality. However, its effects cannot be definitively characterized, as they vary from one era to another; ideology is defined by the prevailing paradigm of a given period, which influences how it is understood and utilized. Consequently, there is a divergence in the conceptualizations surrounding it—particularly the philosophical perspectives of Gramsci and Foucault. This research begins by highlighting the importance of ideology in the individual's life, viewing it as a set of ideas that contribute to the formation of both individual and collective consciousness and serve to guide social behavior. To illustrate this clearly, the discussion addresses Gramsci’s positive conception—highlighting the role of intellectuals in the advancement of the middle classes—and Foucault’s negative conception, which identifies ideology with manifestations of power and the discourse of knowledge; the latter shapes prevailing perceptions and contributes to the creation of bodies that are productive and docile to authority.