What role does the concept of "hegemony" play in Antonio Gramsci's theory of cultural dominance?

Antonio Gramsci’s concept of hegemony refers to the dominance of a ruling class’s worldview, which becomes the accepted cultural norm. This dominance is maintained not just through coercion but also through the consent of the subordinated classes, who internalize the values and beliefs of the ruling class. In Gramsci’s theory, cultural hegemony is crucial for maintaining power, as it shapes people’s perceptions and limits their ability to envision alternative forms of social organization.