1. Ideology is a set of rules someone follows because of what they believe in. This structured set of values essentially divides society in two when they choose their beliefs as a conservative or liberal. It plays a big role in society and what people’s perspective of the world. Although, with a set list of rules and beliefs, it is also easy for an individual to resonate with a little bit of both beliefs sets. To give an example, I have a friend names Leah who believes that everybody is equal and the government should step in to address societal issues. This would be a liberal ideology. However, Leah also believes the government should be of more assistance when individuals are trying to get access to healthcare. This would be a more conservative ideology. Ideology can be very tricky when it comes down to pleasing each individual person. The majority will agree with these sets of beliefs, but inevitably there will be some people who have opposing opinions on some values. It plays more of a role in out day to day life than we realize. Person A believing that we need minimal government assistance, Person B believing that we need minimal government assistance, both people with opposing values could both very much agree on other values like promoting sustainability. Ideology is not so black & white. It is very easy for someone to agree with most values on one set of beliefs but disagree with some. Although, I believe the difference in everyones political views is overall a good thing as it keeps conversation going on how we can all do better.
  2. I understand conservative and liberal ideologies as two opposing views in US politics. The biggest difference would be in terms of operation. For example, in social issues, conservative ideology tend to practice social & cultural norms, traditional family values, etc. Conservatives are opposed to societal change that get in the way of their current ones. Someone who is considered a conservative would typically be against same sex marriage. Liberals, on the other hand, are more open minded to change in their ‘norms’. They are more supportive of policies that include diversity and equal rights for everybody. Someone who is liberal would be all for same sex marriage.
  3. Althusser’s definition of ideology was that it was a set of values and beliefs made to support current power structures. Believing that whatever or whoever was more in control, these ideologies would be tailored to only reinforce to those. An example of this would be, a case where one religious group was more powerful than the rest. The dominant ideology would be to support the superiority of that religious group. Whoever has the opposing ideology, is seen as morally inferior.

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