Antonio Gramsci was an Italian Marxist philosopher and communist politician. The correct spelling of his name is [anˈtɔnjo ˈɡramʃi]. The first syllable "an" is pronounced like "on" with an "a" sound at the beginning. The "o" in "tonio" is pronounced like the "o" in "toe," while the "i" at the end is pronounced like "ee." The last name "Gramsci" is pronounced with a silent "h" and the stress on the first syllable. The "sci" at the end is pronounced like "shee."
Antonio Gramsci (1891-1937) was an Italian Marxist philosopher, journalist, and political theorist who profoundly shaped critical theory and leftist political thought in the 20th century. He is best known for his concept of cultural hegemony and his theory of the "organic intellectual."
Gramsci's work focused on analyzing how power operates within society and how dominant groups maintain their control over the masses. He argued that ruling elites exert control not only through force and coercion but also through the production and dissemination of ideas and values that become widely accepted by society as the "common sense" or the "hegemonic culture." This cultural hegemony, according to Gramsci, allows the ruling class to maintain its dominance and suppress dissenting voices.
Gramsci also developed the concept of the organic intellectual, who is not necessarily an academic but a thinker or activist who emerges from the working class and represents the interests of the oppressed. These organic intellectuals play a crucial role in challenging the dominant ideology and awakening class consciousness among the working class.
Despite his profound insights and significant contributions to Marxist theory, Gramsci's work gained widespread recognition only posthumously, as his writings were largely suppressed during his imprisonment under Benito Mussolini's fascist regime in Italy. Today, Gramsci's ideas continue to inspire scholars, activists, and intellectuals across various disciplines, including political science, sociology, cultural studies, and critical theory.
The word "Antonio Gramsci" does not have an etymology since it is a proper noun referring to a specific person. However, the name "Antonio" is of Latin origin and is derived from the ancient Roman family name "Antonius", which possibly means "priceless" or "inestimable".
"Gramsci" is the surname of Antonio Gramsci, an Italian Marxist philosopher and communist politician. It is an Italian surname and does not have a widely known etymology. It likely originated as a patronymic surname, meaning it was derived from a male ancestor's given name. Unfortunately, the specific origins and meaning behind the surname "Gramsci" are uncertain.