POLITICAL-IDEOLOGIES

Ideology

  • A political belief system.

  • An action-oriented set of political ideas.

  • Beliefs of the ruling class.

  • Worldview of social classes/groups.

  • Articulates class or social interests.

  • Propagates false consciousness among the oppressed.

Additional Definitions

  • Situates individuals within a social context.

  • Officially sanctioned set of ideas legitimizing a political system.

  • All-embracing political doctrine claiming truth monopoly.

  • Abstract and systematic set of political ideas.

Historical Context

  • The term 'ideology' was coined in 1766 by Antoine Destutt de Tracy, described as the science of ideas.

Features of Ideology

  • A coherent set of ideas for organized political action.

  • A. Accounts for the existing order (worldview).

  • B. Advances a model of a desired future (vision of society).

  • C. Explains how political change can occur.

Ideological Concept

  • Althusser's definition: the imaginary relation to real conditions of existence, akin to wearing 'goggles' that affect perspective.

Political Ideologies

Communism

  • Founded by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels.

  • Major writings: The Communist Manifesto (1848) & Principles of Communism.

  • Material production is fundamental; economic relationships shape society.

  • Class struggle is crucial; aims to motivate collective action.

Socialism

  • Influenced by Marx, emphasizing community over individualism.

  • Advocates for common ownership and distribution of resources.

  • Types: Ethical, Scientific, Revolutionary, Reformist, Fundamentalist, and Revisionist.

  • Promoted by leaders like Hugo Chavez focusing on social ownership, production organized by workers.

Liberalism

  • Founded by John Locke.

  • Stresses individual freedoms and government’s role in public welfare.

  • Classical vs. Modern Liberalism: Self-regulating economy vs. state intervention to curb injustices.

Conservatism

  • Founded by Edmund Burke.

  • Emphasizes tradition and society’s web of relationships.

  • Resistance to change; preservation of institutions crucial.

Fascism

  • Founded by Benito Mussolini.

  • Humans can be led and manipulated; champions national competition and absolute state power.

Feminism

  • Founded by Mary Wollstonecraft.

  • Advocates for women's rights and challenges patriarchy in social institutions.

  • Seeks redefinition of political needs and equal opportunities.

Anarchism

  • Founded by Pierre-Joseph Proudhon.

  • Advocates for a society without a state; believes government enforces ignorance and dependence.

Importance of Political Ideology

  • Shapes societal understanding and guides responses to issues.

  • Influences personal beliefs about government roles and participation.

  • Determines individual and collective political actions based on underlying beliefs.