Abstract: Gramsci’s theory of civil society was born and developed in the special historical time. Compared with Marx’s theory, Gramsci’s theory of civil society emphasizes more about superstructure and class consciousness. On one hand, he stuck to the theoretical tradition of historical materialism in basic idea of his theory and in the historic mission aspect, and on the other hand, he has creatively developed Marx’s cognitive mentality that economic basis decides civil society, and exhibited realistic theoretic sight of contemporary society.

Key words: Gramsci, civil society, economic basis, superstructure