Definition and Concept
Ideology: System of beliefs, values, and ideas about how society should be organized and how politics should operate.
Key characteristics:
- Coherent worldview
- Values and beliefs linked together
- Guide political action
- Usually take positions on economics, equality, rights, government role
Marx's concept: Ideology as false consciousness (ideas that mask real power relations)
Modern understanding: Everyone has ideology (not just other people)
Liberalism
Core principles:
- Individual rights and freedoms
- Democracy and equality before law
- Limited government
- Free market capitalism
- Rule of law
On economy: Supports free market, private property, capitalism
On government: Limited state, protecting rights, constitutional limits
On society: Pluralism, diversity, tolerance
Historical development: Enlightenment reaction to absolute monarchy
Modern liberalism: Acknowledges need for welfare state, social safety net
Criticism: Ignores power inequality, accepts capitalism's exploitation
Conservatism
Core principles:
- Tradition and stability
- Gradual change
- Hierarchy and order
- Strong authority
- Religious values
- Limited government (traditionally)
On change: Suspicious of rapid change; prefer gradual reform or status quo
On society: Organic communities, traditions matter, hierarchy natural
On government: Limited state (classically) but strong in enforcing order/morality (socially conservative)
Modern conservatism: Varies by country and context
Criticism: Resists necessary reforms, perpetuates oppression
Socialism and Communism
Core principles:
- Equality and collective ownership
- End to exploitation and class hierarchy
- Worker control of economy
- Community over individual
- Critique of capitalism
On economy: Collective/state ownership of means of production
On government: Transition state for communism; eventually classless society
On society: Classless, no exploitation, meeting needs
Varieties: Democratic socialism, communism, Marxism, Leninism, etc.
Criticism: Historical communist regimes became oppressive
Fascism
Core principles:
- Authoritarian government
- Nationalism and racial hierarchy
- Charismatic leader
- Suppression of opposition
- Military strength
- Anti-communism
On government: Totalitarian state controlling all life
On society: Hierarchical, based on race/nation, unified under leader
On opposition: Suppressed through violence and propaganda