What does the term "cultural hegemony" refer to?

Cultural hegemony refers to the dominance of one cultural group over others, effectively shaping societal norms and values in a way that becomes accepted as the status quo. This concept, developed by the Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci, highlights how the ruling class can maintain power not just through force or political means, but through cultural influence and persuasion.

In a context of cultural hegemony, the dominant culture establishes its practices and beliefs as the standard, leading to the marginalization of alternative perspectives and practices. This process can manifest in various societal arenas, including media, education, and public policy, where the values and norms of the dominant group are promoted as universally beneficial, often obscuring the interests of minority groups.

The other options address different aspects of cultural dynamics but do not capture the central idea of cultural hegemony. The coexistence of multiple cultures simply describes a pluralistic society without implying any dominance. The blending of cultural practices suggests a hybridization that occurs without necessarily indicating dominance. The rejection of cultural influences implies a resistance to cultural forms rather than the establishment of one culture's superiority over others.