Ideology refers to the idea itself. Formally, it is the study of, or science of, ideas. Informally, it’s the idea of common sense. The study of ideology is the study of how our world is structured.
Hegemony is the construction and maintenance of an ideology, via education systems, the workplace, religious institutions, everyday life (ex: seeing a cop makes you slow down even if you are not speeding or violating the law in any way), etc. Hegemony is formed when one feels like someone is in a higher authority than they are, for example at a doctor’s office (where white lab coats give doctors authority). Family construction, such as how the dad sits at head of dinner table and how kids go to the mom when they get hurt, is another example of how life is always mediated through hegemonic structures.
The game demonstrates both concepts. The main ideology presented is that men want to be as far away from other men when using urinals in order to obtain the “maximum amount of buffer zone” and personal space. Other aspects, such as distance from the door and the type of men surrounding you, are also considered. This ideology is maintained through hegemony, as it is reinforced by example in all sorts of institutions—at school, work, gyms, and other public facilities. In such facilities with public restrooms, men repeatedly chose urinals farthest away from other men, which establishes the concept of which urinal is “acceptable” to use.
No comments:
Post a Comment