What does the term hegemony imply in sociology?

The term hegemony in sociology refers to the dominance of one group over others in society, particularly in the context of cultural and social practices. This concept, primarily developed by the Italian Marxist theorist Antonio Gramsci, highlights how dominant groups maintain their power not just through coercion, but also through the establishment of norms, values, and beliefs that become accepted as the 'common sense' of society.

Such dominance allows the leading group to shape societal expectations and behaviors, often resulting in the marginalization of alternative perspectives or resistance movements. Hegemony is crucial for understanding how social inequalities are perpetuated, as it explains the subtle ways that power operates within culture and ideology, often without the overt use of force.

The other choices, while touching on aspects of social relations or community, do not accurately capture the nuanced meaning of hegemony. The notion of equality among different social classes does not reflect the inherent power dynamics central to hegemony. Similarly, strength in community cooperation and a shared cultural understanding may contribute to social cohesion, but they do not inherently address the unequal power relations that characterize hegemony.