Final answer:
Hegemonic discourse is a narrative used by the dominant power in a society to maintain its control by propagating accepted norms and values as common sense, often through cultural institutions like education and media.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Guthman refers to hegemonic discourse, she is likely talking about a narrative promoted by the ruling elite to maintain power and control. This aligns with the works of Antonio Gramsci, who articulated the concept of hegemony as a means for those in power to keep their power by subtly propagating certain values and beliefs. Hegemonies, therefore, emphasize norms and values that support the current social order, making ideology nearly invisible as it is widely accepted as common sense despite possibly maintaining social inequalities.
In this context, hegemonic discourse is disseminated through various cultural institutions such as education, religion, and media, guiding the populace to accept and perpetuate the ideologies that favor the dominant class. Critically, this discourse tends to marginalize opposing views and reinforce power dynamics within a society.