Overview
Meaning and example
Gramsci used common sense to mean the everyday beliefs people pick up through language, religion, custom, and daily life. It does not simply mean good judgment. These beliefs can come from different sources and clash with one another. They can also contain useful insights, which he called good sense. A movement had to begin with the beliefs people held and help them examine those beliefs.[6]
Illustration: A worker might believe that hard work always brings fair rewards, yet also believe that employers often underpay workers. Both views could form part of that person’s common sense. Gramsci wanted people to examine such tensions and build a clearer view.