Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik
Vol 6 No 1 (2026): Juni

Hegemony and Political Inequality: Elite Dominance through Gramsci and Marx

Muh. Firzah Rizki Putra Laksana (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Joshua Alexandro Ferdinand (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Aurera Damay Shafa Nayla Akbar (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Maulidya Shavira (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Vanesa Ivon Amalia (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia)
Farid Pribadi (Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 Jun 2026

Abstract

Purpose: This study analyzes the persistence of elite political dominance in Indonesia, particularly through political dynasties, using Antonio Gramsci’s theory of hegemony and Karl Marx’s class analysis. Research Methodology: This research employs a qualitative approach using Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA). Data were collected through library research by examining academic literature and national media reports on political elites, corruption, and dynastic politics. Results: The findings reveal that elite dominance is systematically reproduced through the control of strategic political positions, economic resources, and ideological narratives. Although elections and formal democratic mechanisms continue to function, political competition remains unequal. Elite power operates not only through material control, as emphasized by Marx, but also through hegemonic processes that normalize dynastic rule as legitimate and natural in the public consciousness, consistent with Gramsci’s framework. Conclusions: Elite domination in Indonesia persists through the interaction of structural economic power and ideological hegemony. Democracy functions procedurally, but its substantive role in ensuring equality has been significantly weakened. Limitations: This study relied on secondary data and textual sources, limiting direct empirical observation. Contributions: This study integrates Marxian and Gramscian perspectives to provide a critical understanding of political inequality within contemporary democratic systems.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

Jasispol

Publisher

Subject

Social Sciences

Description

Jurnal Studi Ilmu Sosial dan Politik (Jasispol) is a national, scientific and peer-reviewed journal in the fields of social and political sciences. Jasispol accepts quality manuscipts in the forms of original research, review article, book review, and case study aimed at advancing and mediating ...