What Differences Make A Difference? A Discussion of Hegemony, Resistance and Representation

Abstract

This article discusses the relationship between hegemony and resistance using the framework of the social representations theory (SRT). It starts by describing hegemony and resistance as dyadic processes that emerge from the work of representation and shows how SRT encompasses both the hegemonic nature of representations and their potential to transform by presenting empirical studies of gender and race. In the second part of the article an explanation of hegemony and resistance from a social representations perspective is developed, one centred around notions of similarity, consensus, "possibility of difference" and alternative representations. In the end, an analogy between systems of representation and geographical environments is made in order to emphasise the dynamic nature of the forces that shape our social life.