The organization of culture and the editing activity: Gramsci on education activity of the magazines

Abstract

The objective of this text is to examine the reflection of Gramsci about the
activity of editing magazines that function at the same time as redaction and
as cultural circles, organizing its activity as a plan and a division of work, rationally
prearranged. This editing activity could be considered a parameter
for an educative work so as to raise the culture level of the subaltern social
classes. He understands that the qualification of an intellectual staff is a role
attributed to school. However, as the school is not accessible to the great
majority of the population, he proposes that the magazines constitute a terrain
favorable to begin a work aiming to solve the problem of culture, even
if the magazines can not replace the “direct” activity of the school. Jus as the
struggle against illiteracy is different of a school for illiterates, the magazines
are not for themselves a solution for the problem of culture, but they
can constitute a starting point for the creation of a new civilization.