Final answer:
Cultural Marxism refers to the idea that culture can be weaponized against certain social groups. It is associated with the theories of Antonio Gramsci, who argued that the ruling class uses cultural norms to maintain dominance. Some conservatives use the term to criticize the influence of critical race and gender theories.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cultural Marxism is a term used by some conservatives to describe the idea that culture can be weaponized against certain social groups. It is associated with the theories of Italian Marxist Antonio Gramsci, who argued that the ruling class uses cultural norms to maintain their dominance over the working class. According to this perspective, cultural Marxism suggests that social change can be achieved by infiltrating and transforming cultural institutions such as schools, universities, churches, and the media.
Cultural Marxism is often used metaphorically to criticize the influence of critical race and gender theories, which are seen as divisive and socially destructive by some conservatives. These theories are thought to share with Marxism a focus on inequality and a call for social change. However, it is important to note that cultural Marxism is a contested term and has been criticized for being used as a conspiracy theory or as a way to dismiss certain progressive ideas.