• Second, Gramsci says that subordinate classes may oppose the dominant ideology in action
more than in ideas.
• That is, in action, they try to defend their material interests (e.g. need more food, or money).
• Thus, it looks radical. But in their ideas (consciousness), they still obedient to dominant
class.
• This subordinate classes’ idea is called "trade union consciousness" rather than
"revolutionary consciousness."
• The “trade union consciousness” means most people's ideas comes from the dominant
groups themselves, and are more favored for negotiation than radical revolution.
• Third, Gramsci assumes that subordinate class need to create a counterhegemony that will
change the society (Scott 1985: 346).
Figure 1. Workers/ Trade Union’s movement
Figure 2. Fast food workers in 150 U.S. cities are going on strike today asking for
$15 minimum wage and the right to unionize.
Scott’s Everyday Resistance
• Partly opposing to Gramsci, James Scott (1985: 320) argues that subordinate people’s
struggles within hegemony can be found in the people's ideas rather than their actions.
• Scott thinks that people's struggle can be found in their "everyday resistance" such as
stealing, complaining, foot-dragging (delay or slow movement), or setting fire.
• Scott (1985: 335-340) also says that what the subordinate classes want is not a revolution or
the overturn of hegemonic ideology.
• They are simply very angry and want to solve their struggles in hegemony.
• People's struggles are based on material interest (e.g. food, land) more than ideology (e.g.
socialism).
• People's demands often come from small objectives, but the action might be big and
revolutionary.