Political Ideology (Unit 3)

UNIT 3: POLITICAL IDEOLOGY

Definition of Ideology

  • A set of beliefs or opinions of an individual or group.

  • Influences how a person or group thinks, acts, and views society.

  • Helps explain society and may help change it.

Types of Ideologies

  • Personal Ideology

  • Political Ideology

  • Key Insight: Personal and political ideologies can be similar, different, or have overlapping beliefs.

Personal Ideology

  • An individual's philosophy of how and why to live life.

  • Essential Question: Which characteristics shape an individual's personal ideology?

Characteristics that Shape Personal Ideology

  • Faith

  • Family

  • Friends

  • Environment and Past Experiences

  • Career/Job and Level of Education

  • Regional Locations (Cities vs Small Towns)

  • Income, Savings, Net Worth

  • Personality Type

  • Experience with Parents

  • Marital Status (Married or Single)

Effects of Personal Ideology

  • Impacts relationships and social circles.

  • Influences spousal selection and parenting style.

  • Affects spending habits and lifestyle choices.

  • Determines career paths and investment decisions.

Political Ideology

  • Set of ideas and beliefs regarding how a community, state, or country should function.

  • Essential Question: Which characteristics shape a person’s political ideology?

Characteristics that Shape Political Ideology

  • Family (age specific)/Upbringing

  • Faith/Religion

  • Age

  • Friendship Circles

  • Career/Industry/Job/Business Owner

  • Area of Residence

  • Health Status

  • Income/Net Worth

  • Race/Ethnicity/Country of Origin

  • Spouse/Single

Effects of Political Ideology

  • Influences voting trends and party membership.

  • Impacts policy organization affiliations.

  • Affects residential choices and career/job selections.

  • Determines education choices and marital status decisions.

  • Shapes child-rearing practices and community relationships.

Major Ideological Classifications

  • Definitions required:

    • Conservatism

    • Liberalism

    • Populism

    • Libertarianism

    • Socialism

    • Communism

Populism

  • Definition: A political belief system focused on aiding working-class (blue collar) workers.

  • Concerns of these workers often overlooked by elite.

  • Example: Opposition to free trade deals due to job loss potential.

  • Present in both Democratic and Republican parties.

Libertarianism

  • Definition: A political philosophy maximizing autonomy and independence.

  • Advocates for minimal government involvement, promoting free association.

  • Libertarians have their own party but often lean Republican in binary elections.

Major Ideologies Compared

  • Conservatism: Promotes traditional social/cultural beliefs and values faith as a moral foundation.

  • Liberalism: Advocates for increased government involvement in the economy to promote societal equality.