More Ideologies

What is populism?

A political strategy rather than a full ideology, used to gain power by appealing to “the people.”

Is populism only right-wing?

No — populism exists on both the left and the right.

Why is populism considered a slippery concept?

There is no agreed-upon definition, and it is often used inconsistently.

What is the contradiction within populism?

Being popular makes one populist, yet “populist” is often used to discredit leaders.

When does populism typically rise?

During economic hardship or citizen frustration.

Common example of populism?

Donald Trump.

What philosophy influenced libertarianism?

A softer version of Max Stirner’s ideas.

Core belief of libertarianism?

Minimal government interference in social life and markets.

How does libertarianism view government?

Government should be limited.

Who is an example associated with libertarianism?

George W. Bush.

What group is libertarianism often associated with?

The wealthy / “1 percenters.”

How does libertarianism relate to neoliberalism?

It is essentially another form of neoliberalism — limit government as much as possible.

Core idea of anarchism?

“There is no government like no government.”

What did Alex Battic argue?

All forms of government are tools to control the human mind; true human nature is anarchy.

When did anarchism become influential?

After the Industrial Revolution.

Where did anarchism organize most strongly?

Industrialized countries, with effects on developing nations.

Two main categories of anarchism?

Social anarchism and individual anarchism.

Goal of social anarchism?

Destroy the state because it serves elites, not the people.

Pierre-Joseph Proudhon believed what?

• “Property is theft”

• State should evolve gradually

• Society should be based on free associations

Mikhail Bakunin believed what?

• State prevents freedom

• Violent revolution is necessary

• Change comes from marginalized groups

Key divide within social anarchism?

Gradual reform vs. violent overthrow.

Core belief of individual anarchism?

A “free for all” with no group interference.

How does individual anarchism view social responsibility?

Rejects it; focuses on ego and autonomy.

Why is government rejected in individual anarchism?

It limits individual freedom.

What can individual anarchism evolve into?

Libertarianism.

Is postmodernism an ideology?

No — it is a critique of ideologies.

Key postmodernism thinkers?

Michel Foucault and Jacques Derrida.

How does postmodernism treat meta-narratives?

It blurs and questions them.

What is postmodernism’s view on research and knowledge?

No research is neutral; all knowledge is biased.

Does postmodernism believe in objective truth?

No — reality is socially constructed.

Main critique of postmodernism?

Can lead to extreme relativism, where nothing is agreed upon.

Best-case outcome of postmodernism?

Celebration of diversity and multiple perspectives.

Core goal of feminism?

Equality between men and women.

Central feminist belief?

Women’s subordination is morally wrong.

Which wave is liberal feminism?

First wave.

Focus of liberal feminism?

Legal rights:

• Voting

• Equal pay

• Marriage laws

Focus of second-wave feminism?

Systemic oppression and patriarchy.

Examples of second-wave goals?

• Maternity leave

• Workplace equality

Criticism of second-wave feminism?

Sometimes seen as anti-men and lacking intersectionality.

Focus of socialist feminism?

Economic exploitation and structural inequality.

Key concern of socialist feminism?

Domestic labor vs. economic roles.

Additional feminist issues include?

• Biology

• Control of women’s bodies

• Pornography

• Role of women in state and economy

Postmodern feminism emphasizes what?

Diversity and difference.

When did environmentalism emerge?

The 1970s.

Two main branches of environmentalism?

Ecologist and Reformist

Core belief of ecologists?

Economic growth is incompatible with environmental protection.

Proposed solution of environmentalism?

Limit growth and consumption.

Core belief of reformists?

Sustainable development.

Key idea of reformist environmentalism?

Renew what is used; ecological modernization.

Two philosophical approaches to nature?

• Anthropocentric (human-centered)

• Stewardship (moral duty to nature)

Does nature have moral worth?

Yes — environmentalism is not black-and-white.

What influenced environmental thought?

First Nations worldviews, especially reciprocity with nature.

Do these ideologies still matter today?

Yes — all have contemporary political impact.