1.

1a) Ideology refers to the beliefs, values, and ideas that shape how people think of and understand the world around them. It influences how people think, behave, and interact within society, usually supporting the way things are and how people usually act and share power in a group

1b) An example of this can be seen in the education system, in school, kids are taught to follow rules, listen to teachers, and do well in their studies, and if they don’t follow the rules they face consequences such as going to detention. As they grow up, these ideas stick with them and influence how they see and interact with the world.

1c) Besides influencing people’s views and behaviors, ideology plays an essential role in maintaining the status quo in society. It is frequently used by those in power to protect and uphold the social, political, and economic systems that are in place. Ideology is passed on and internalized by the general public through institutions like the government, media, and the educational system, influencing how people view the world and themselves.

2. Conservatives in US politics favor less government intervention and have a strong emphasis on individual accountability and free markets. For example, they could make the case for easing corporate rules to boost economic expansion. They support a strong national defense as well. Liberals, on the other hand, support laws that protect the environment and consumers, as well as progressive taxes, as ways for the government to fight inequality in society. They support social initiatives like healthcare and education that are supported by the government. Liberals might, for example, support increasing the minimum wage to lower income disparity and raise workers’ standards of living. The main difference between
conservatives and liberals are that the conservatives place more importance on individual liberties, while liberals place more emphasis on social welfare and government intervention to address issues in society.

3. According to Louis Althusser, ideology is a set of beliefs that influences a person’s perspective on the world. It’s more than just ideas, it’s a system that influences views and behaviors through institutions. For example, the media is a powerful ideological tool that promotes current social views by influencing views through news, entertainment, and advertising.