Hegemony refers to the dominance of one group over others, often through cultural, ideological, or political means, rather than solely through military force. It describes how a dominant group can shape societal norms and values, influencing the beliefs and behaviors of subordinate groups. This concept is commonly associated with the work of Italian Marxist philosopher Antonio Gramsci, who explored how consent is manufactured in society to maintain power. Hegemony is significant in understanding power dynamics in politics, culture, and economics.