defining ideology

ideology definition (Shively and Schultz)

an organized set of related ideas that modify one another

ideology definition #2 (Converse)

a political belief system with ideas and attitudes bound together by a form of constraint - coherent, can have various sources of constraint

ideology's dual character (Sargent)

both 1. descriptive and 2. normative
i.e., picture of the world as it is and as it should be

3 functions of ideology

1. helps "make sense of things"
2. perceptual lens impacting our views, that can be affected by social developments
3. political communication device - reach a similar audience

do ideologies develop?

yes, they are dynamic and can incorporate new views + get rid of old ones

origins of liberalism

reaction to feudalism & absolutism + changes in economic organization

what components of liberalism did Locke's Two Treatises establish (3)

1. consent of the people
2. natural right to life, liberty, and property
3. social contract

4 broader key components of liberalism

1. freedom of speech, religion, and press
2. limitations of government power
3. minimal government
4. democracy

origins of conservatism

reaction to upturn of traditional social order + liberalism

core components of conservatism (5)

1. order, tradition, religion
2. preference for the status quo or slow change
3. emphasizes community over the individual
4. more accepting of power and authority
5. responsibility of those in power

origins of socialism

industrial revolution and labor movement - broad variety of subtypes

4 core components of socialism

1. focus on social class
2. history driven by class struggles
3. capitalism: bourgeoisie v working class
4. social ownership of the means of production

social democracy origins

gradual and democratic approach towards achieving socialism

4 core components of social democracy

1. mixed economy: both private and public ownership
2. system of democratic capitalism
3. improvements for the working class
4. expansion of the welfare state

origins of christian democracy

Christian (espec. Catholic) teaching

3 core components of Christian Democracy

1. more centrist economic policies
2. mixture of liberal ideas and support of the welfare state
3. socio-culturally conservative