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Gramsci and the Legitimization of the State: The Case of the Senegalese Passive Revolution*

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 November 2009

Robert Fatton JR
Robert Fatton JR
Affiliation:
University of Virginia
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Abstract

This article uses some of the fundamental conceptualizations of Antonio Gramsci to understand the political process in Senegal. It analyzes how the ruling class responded to the “organic crisis” generated by a dependent type of capitalist underdevelopment. It contends that this response embodied a “passive revolution” whereby potentially revolutionary forces were decapitated through the co-optation of their leading cadres in a reformed framework of political representation. The article suggests also that the contours and substance of the passive revolution reflected the “hegemonic project” elaborated by the “organic intellectuals” of Senegal. These intellectuals sought to establish a new “hegemony” capable of legitimizing the rule of a reinvigorated ruling class. Yet, because this new hegemony was founded on the basis of the passive revolution it never reached the masses and it generated therefore widespread popular scepticism and cynicism.

Résumé

Cet article utilise certaines des importantes conceptions dévelopées par Antonio Gramsci afin d'élucider le processus politique sénégalais. II analyse la manière dont la classe dirigeante sénégalaise confronta la « crise organique » provoquée par le système capitaliste dépendant. II suggère que la classe dirigeante organisa une « révolution passive » qui « décapita » le potentiel révolutionnaire des forces d'opposition par la cooptation de leurs leaders dans de nouvelles structures de représentation libérates. L'article maintient également que la « révolution passive » fut le produit du « projet hégémonique » élaboré par les « intellectuels organiques » sénégalais. Ces intellectuels cherchaient à établir une nouvelle « hégémonie » capable de légitimer le pouvoir de la classe dominante. Mais puisque cette hégémonie était issue de la révolution passive, elle ne put pénétrer les masses et elle produisit par conséquent un scepticisme et un cynisme généralisés.

Type
Research Article
Information
Canadian Journal of Political Science/Revue canadienne de science politique , Volume 19 , Issue 4 , December 1986 , pp. 729 - 750
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Political Science Association (l'Association canadienne de science politique) and/et la Société québécoise de science politique 1986

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References

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