Nan Wut Mone

What is Ideology?

1. (a) In my view, ideology is a set of beliefs and values that guide individuals and political groups in understanding government, society, and the role of institutions. Political ideologies shape perspectives on issues such as the size and role of government, individual freedoms, economic policies, and social values. In the U.S., the two dominant political ideologies are liberalism, which tends to support government intervention in social and economic matters, and conservatism, which typically advocates for limited government, free markets, and traditional social values. Ideology influences political behaviour, party affiliation, and policy preferences in American politics.

(b) An example of ideology in American politics can be seen in the debate over healthcare. Those with a liberal ideology often support government-provided or regulated healthcare, like the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), believing that access to healthcare is a right and that the government should ensure that everyone, regardless of income, has access to medical services. They argue that government intervention is necessary to address inequalities and protect public welfare. On the other hand, individuals with a conservative ideology typically favour a free-market approach to healthcare. They argue that government involvement leads to inefficiency and higher costs, and believe that private companies and competition should drive the healthcare system. Conservatives often advocate for policies that reduce government regulation and give individuals more control over their healthcare choices.

(c) Ideology is a way people see and understand the world, shaping how they think about government, society, and the economy. It provides a set of ideas and beliefs that influence how people feel about important issues like justice, freedom, equality, and power. Ideologies are not just abstract ideas but personal beliefs that guide how people vote, participate in politics, and interact with others. For example, someone who strongly believes in individualism might focus on personal responsibility and prefer less government involvement, while someone who values community well-being might support a larger government role to help people. Ideologies can change over time due to shifts in culture, economics, or history. They also exist on a spectrum, meaning people might not fit perfectly into one ideological category and can hold a mix of beliefs. For instance, a person may support conservative economic policies but have liberal views on social issues. Understanding ideology helps explain why people have different political opinions and actions, as it reflects their values and what they believe is best for society.

2. The main difference between conservatives and liberals is how they view the role of government, personal freedom, and social issues. Conservatives generally believe in a smaller government, free markets, and personal responsibility. They think the government should do less in regulating businesses and running social programs, focusing instead on individual effort and self-reliance. Conservatives also tend to support traditional values and are cautious about making big changes to social norms. They often prioritise things like national security and maintaining existing systems. Liberals, on the other hand, believe the government should play a bigger role in solving social and economic problems. They think the government should provide services like healthcare, education, and welfare to ensure everyone has equal opportunities. Liberals usually support policies that promote individual rights, diversity, and inclusion, often pushing for changes in areas like LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and environmental protection. A good example of this difference is the debate on taxes and social programs. Conservatives typically want lower taxes and less government spending, believing people and businesses should have more control over their money, which they think will help the economy grow. Liberals, however, often support higher taxes on the wealthy to fund social programs like Medicare and unemployment benefits to help those in need. This shows how the two sides differ in their views on how much the government should get involved in people’s lives and the economy. In short, the big difference between conservatives and liberals is about the size of the government, with conservatives wanting less intervention and liberals wanting more to help with social issues and equality.

3. Althusser’s definition of ideology can be understood as a system of ideas and beliefs that shape how people view themselves and their place in the world, often without them realising it. According to Althusser, ideology works by creating a sense of identity and belonging, and it operates through institutions like schools, churches, and the media to reinforce certain beliefs. Importantly, he argues that ideology doesn’t just exist in people’s minds but is deeply embedded in practices and rituals that people participate in, which then helps maintain the existing power structures in society. An example of this would be the way education works. Schools teach students not only academic knowledge but also certain values, like respect for authority, the importance of hard work, and following rules. This helps students develop an identity that fits within society’s expectations, making them more likely to accept and function within the current social system without questioning it. Thus, education serves as a tool through which ideology is reinforced, keeping people aligned with the existing power structure.

Keeping in mind the material covered in this lesson, describe how you understand ideology in your own words.

Ideology is having beliefs and opinions upon a specific group or an individual, who mainly focus upon political views. When beliefs and opinions are based on, they could influence behaviors upon these social groups. One example that showcases ideology in our own society would be democracy. With our current presidential election just two months away, democracy would be the political system as we have to vote and elect either a new president or keep our current president into a new term of 4 years. The cycle would repeat every 4 years. Understanding ideology is knowing what influence it gives you in political views. The way you portray your views is important as it reflects how you vote and the influence to society.

How do you understand the difference between conservative and liberal ideology in US politics? What seem to be the big differences, the dividing line? Given an example to backup your arguments.

Understanding the difference between conservative and liberal ideology in US politics are by conservatives being anti federalist and liberals being pro federalist. The differences between conservatives and liberals are that conservatives view are that they believe that a large government poses a threat to individual liberty and have laws placed to maintain our society, while liberals believe the government can help resolve societies issues such as bigger government resulting in bigger solutions. An example of conservative ideology is gun rights. Currently, the argument in our society revolves around whether to revoke our Second Amendment rights due to gun violence upscaling within the last 10 years. An example of liberal ideology would be same-sex marriages, in which men and women are allowed to marry a partner who are the same sex as them.

How do you understand Althusser’s definition of Ideology? Paraphrase it in your own words. Given an example.

I understand Althusser’s definition of ideology as stating ideology is more of a practice as he believes individuals are painting a false narrative through society. Althusser argues between repressive state apparatuses and ideological state apparatuses. Repressive state apparatuses operates with violence and ideological state apparatuses operates with ideology.

My understanding of ideology is that ideology is a system of ideas, beliefs, and values that shapes how an individual or a group perceive and interpret the world around them. It serves as a lens through which people make sense of society, politics, economics, and culture, often influencing their actions and decisions. Ideologies may be explicitly articulated or subtly integrated into daily life, and they tend to reflect and reinforce certain power structures and social orders.

A clear example of ideology is the “American Dream”. This idea suggests that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and wealth through hard work and determination. It shapes how Americans view opportunities, success, and moving up in society. This belief also affects political policies, education, and personal choices.

To expand on my understanding of ideology, I see it as a complex and often subtle force that permeates various aspects of society. Ideologies are not just political doctrines but rather comprehensive worldviews that can encompass economic theories, social norms, cultural values, and even shaping personal beliefs about human nature. It often operates in the background, shaping our thoughts and actions without us being fully aware of their influence. They can be deeply ingrained that we may perceive them as “common sense” or “the natural order of things” rather than a constructed belief system.

Moreover, ideologies are not static; they evolve over time in response to social, economic, and technological changes. They can also compete, leading to ideological conflicts that play out in political debates, cultural movements, and social transformations. Understanding ideology is crucial because it allows us to critically examine our own beliefs and those of others, recognizing how these systems of thought shape our perceptions and actions in the world. This awareness can lead to more informed decision–making and a better understanding of diverse perspectives in our increasingly complex and interconnected global society.

2.  

In U.S. politics, conservatives and liberal ideologies represent two distinct and often contrasting approaches to governance, society, and the economy at large. The dividing line between the two perspectives often comes down to their differing views on the role of governance in everyday life, individual rights and freedoms, as well as their attitudes toward social change and progress. Conservatives typically advocate for limited government intervention, emphasizing personal responsibility and traditional values, whereas liberals tend to support a more active role for government in addressing social injustice and promoting equality.

When it comes to government role, conservatives advocate for a limited government, prioritizing personal responsibility and free-market principles. They contend that government involvement should be kept to a minimum, particularly in economic matters, allowing individuals and businesses to function without heavy regulation. On the other hand, liberals support a more active government role in addressing social and economic issues. They believe that government should step in to regulate businesses, protect consumers, and ensure that all citizens have access to essential services like healthcare and education.

            When it comes to social change, conservatives tend to focus on tradition and prefer not to change society too quickly. They believe in keeping social norms and institutions stable.  Liberals on the other hand, are open to social changes and progress. They support civil rights, social justice, and increasing individual freedoms, pushing for reforms that promote equality and inclusivity.

In economics, conservatives promote reduced taxes, particularly for businesses and affluent individuals, believing that this approach fosters economic growth and ultimately benefits all members of society. They emphasize the importance of economic liberty and safeguarding private property rights. In contrast, liberals advocate for a progressive tax system, where higher earners and corporations are taxed at elevated rates to finance social programs and address economic disparities. They argue for the use of government resources to create equitable opportunities and assist those who require support.

An illustrative example of these differences can be seen in their approaches to healthcare. Conservatives generally oppose government-managed healthcare systems, arguing that the private sector can deliver more efficient and effective care. They tend to favor policies that empower individuals to have greater control over their healthcare decisions, such as Health Saving Accounts (HSAs) and various private insurance options. On the other hand, liberals promote government interventions in healthcare to guarantee that all citizens have access to medical services, regardless of their financial circumstances. They often support initiatives like universal healthcare or the Affordable Care Act, which aim to expand healthcare coverage to a larger segment of the population.

In conclusion, the big difference between conservative and liberal ideologies in U.S. politics revolves around their views on government intervention, social change, and economic policies. These ideologies shape the political landscape and influence how policies are crafted and debated.

3.

Althusser defines ideology as a set of beliefs, values, and practices that shape how people understand and interact with the world. According to him, ideology is not just a set of ideas, but something the actively influences and structures people’s everyday life, often without them being fully aware of it. To him, ideology works through institutions like schools, churches, and the media, which teaches and reinforce these ideas, making them seem natural and obvious.

Althusser’s notion of ideology also highlights the significance of the state and its institutions in sustaining dominant ideologies. He makes a distinction between the Repressive State Apparatus, which maintains order through force (such as the police and military), and the Ideological State Apparatus, which influences individuals’ beliefs and values through more nuanced approaches (like education and religion). Through these mechanisms, ideology becomes ingrained, shaping how individuals view themselves and their roles within society.

A central aspect of Althusser’s theory is the concept of “interpellation”, which illustrates how individuals are “hailed” or summoned into social identities. For instance, when someone is labeled as a “citizen” or a “student”, they recognize themselves in that identity and start to behave in accordance with the expectations tied to it. This process of interpellation not only situates individuals within the social framework but also strengthens the ideologies that govern that system.

His insights prompt us to critically assess how ideologies function in our lives, often subconsciously influencing our thought, actions, and interactions. He challenges the idea that we are merely independent agents making rational decisions, proposing that our identities and beliefs are profoundly shaped by the social environments we occupy. By grasping these dynamics, we can begin to identify and scrutinize the ideologies that may constrain our viewpoints and actions, paving the way for potential changes in how we engage with each other and the world around us.

In essence, Althusser’s theories offer a lens for examining the intricate relationship between power, identity, and belief within society, promoting a more profound investigating into how ideology serves both to uphold the status quo and to create avenues for resistance and transformation.

An example that demonstrates Althusser’s notion of ideology is the tradition of reciting the pledge of allegiance in American schools. This practice reflects a symbolic connection between students and their country. By reciting the pledge daily, students embrace these values, influencing their perspectives on their country and their engagement in their communities as they mature. The daily recitation of the pledge of allegiance shapes students into citizens who internalize identity values such as unity and loyalty. This practice fosters a sense of belonging and community while distinguishing those who may not align with the patriotic narrative. Althusser’s concept of interpellation is evident as students recognize themselves as state subjects, participating in a collective identity constructed through this ritual. The educational system embeds this ideology, perpetuating dominant beliefs that reinforce power structures. In summary, pledging allegiance in schools illustrates how ideology influences everyday life, shaping perceptions and behaviors while maintaining the social order and defining citizenship and national identity.

Question #1

A) Ideology is a set of beliefs, values, and ideas that shape individuals’ understanding of the world and their place within it, guiding their actions and opinions, often reflecting broader cultural narratives and evolving over time.

B) Liberalism is an ideology that promotes individual freedoms, democracy, and equality, advocating for social justice and economic opportunity. It supports policies like healthcare reforms, ensuring access to medical services for all citizens, reflecting the fundamental human right to health.

c) Ideologies play a major role in shaping political discussions and government decisions, offering people a framework to understand complicated topics such as rule, finance, and equality. Conservative beliefs prioritize tradition and stability, supporting limited government involvement and individual accountability. Socialist beliefs center on communal ownership and fair distribution of resources to tackle structural inequities. Ideologies can change to reflect new information and societal changes, as demonstrated by the emergence of environmentalism. This movement integrates ecological issues into political agendas to mirror a growing awareness of the connection between humans and nature, as well as the necessity of sustainable behaviors. 

Question #2

In the United States, conservatism and liberalism are two separate ideological structures that impact policy decisions, administration, and cultural beliefs. Conservatives stress the importance of tradition, minimal government involvement in the economy, personal freedoms, and a robust national defense, typically supporting free-market ideas and financial accountability rather than focusing on social assistance programs. On the flip side, liberals prioritize social equality, civil rights, and government intervention in dealing with social problems. Usually, they back measures to decrease economic disparity and increase availability of healthcare, education, and social services. 

The distinction between conservative and liberal ideologies can be comprehended by examining various crucial areas. Conservatives support reduced taxes and deregulation for businesses, while liberals promote progressive taxation and social programs. Conservatives adhere to traditional beliefs on social issues like abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and gun control, whereas liberals advocate for more progressive positions. 

Conservatives tend to support a limited government involvement in economic and personal matters, while liberals view a strong government as necessary to tackle social issues such as poverty, discrimination, and environmental problems. For instance, numerous conservatives are against universal healthcare systems or extensive government participation in healthcare delivery, claiming that these systems result in inefficiencies and higher taxes. 

Question #3

Althusser defines ideology as the framework through which individuals understand their existence and societal roles, embedded in everyday practices and institutions like education, religion, family, and media. Ideology is not an individual choice or belief system, but rather something individuals are ‘interpellated’ into, often unconsciously accepting as natural or given truths about the world.

Althusser’s idea is used in the education sector, as schools not just educate in academic topics but also impart societal norms such as discipline, respect for authority, and adherence to social standards. Students acquire the skills to navigate social hierarchies and expectations through the curriculum, interactions with teachers, and adherence to school rules. Rewards and punishments are used to emphasize the importance of obeying authority for achieving success in society. Educational institutions serve as ideological state apparatuses (ISAs) influencing individuals’ perceptions and attitudes towards their societal roles. 

Evelyn Romero Ideology

1.To my understanding ideology is how a person thinks. An individual’s beliefs and principles. An example is how an individual would live their everyday life and view things how it ought to be in society and act on it. If an individual were to break the law , not following what’s normal in society then that is when there would be punishment. Repressive apparatus would then step in and enforce.

2. The difference between conservative and liberal are that conservatives believe that with the government it is a problem and not a solution ,they do not agree on government handouts ,they also believe there should be more harsher police methods . Conservatives are more religious one might add because of just more biblical beliefs in wanting prayers in schools , God into public life. Liberals are the opposite . liberals believe the government is the solution , and supporting on wanting more assistance with the needy ,like food stamps etc . Liberals also believe that abortions should be made between the woman and doctor .

3. Althusser stated ideology is discipline. A way to keep people in line. Fear is one way to keep order using police , courts and prisons and another would possibly be religion . Not wanting to not follow order because of what you believe that the lord will punish you.

1. In my own view, ideology is a social or political belief that a person belongs to, Ideology is a belief people possess do to surrounding factors such as, family, social groups, or education. Ideology helps people gain an understanding of their society, government, and how people conduct themselves depending on their circumstances. an example of ideology would be, liberalism ,conservatism, and socialism etc.
2. The difference between liberal and conservative ideology is that Liberals believe in a bigger and more present government because thy favor a government who addresses social and economic inequality such as, making sure everyone has access to basic needs, housing, education, etc. A conservative government believes in a smaller and more of a closed-knit government interference in peoples lives. an example of this would be, limited government power, state level or local control, etc.
   Conservatives value liberty, Liberals value equality
3. I believe Althusser’s definition of Ideology derives from our everyday surrounding that influence our political beliefs. Surrounding areas of our life and communities shape what we believe is politically and substantially correct. Ideology impacts our beliefs that what was taught or shown to us is proper, or was already deep-rooted within us. I view Althusser’s definition as a guide to show us how powerful and influential ideology can be on our intelligence, and how ideology will continue to change within communities, and the more people’s perspective change the bigger impact it will have on future generations.

a) Describe what ideology is in a brief paragraph (in your own words).

Ideology its a belief to a person or group of persons which shapes and reflects understandings of the social and political world also Ideology helps us figure out rights from wrongs. Our government uses the same ideology the only thing that our government has different is punishment that leads to jail time

b) Give an example illustrating what you wrote in (a)

When you see someone who is arrested for the first time the judge will usually give that suspect a very light sentence it will either be a ticket or it will become a misdemeanor but some people. believe that if you give someone a sentence like that how will you know that he won’t do it again. The laws that are in spot for this is that if this person gets caught again his sentence will be a bigger sentence then the last time.

c) Write another paragraph (or two), explaining to your reader with additional details, how you understand ideology

ideology is very different people can take ideology as a lot of things for me I would say ideology is a belief for a group of people or person.

2) How do you understand the difference between conservative and liberal ideology in US politics? What seem to be the big differences, the dividing line? Given an example to backup your arguments.

I understand that conservative ideology in the US ideology is based of traditions and limited federal government then liberal ideology in the US politics is freedom of speech freedom of religion freedom of press and the separation of of church and state.

3) How do you understand Althusser’s definition of ideology? Paraphrase it in your own words. Given an example.

Althussers definition of ideology is maintaining social order, power dynamics.An example would be that schools don’t just teach academic subjects they also teach and talk about certain values that aligns with the rules of the classes

1.

a) In my perspective, ideology is a basis of values, and different beliefs that shape how individuals and groups understand the world around them. It can influence people’s choices, perspectives, and how they make their own decisions and in turn shows how they perceive political, and cultural issues. 

b) An example of this could be how capitalism is a system of individuals trying to achieve success in an economy directed by different markets. It values competition and that hard work is connected with economic success. 

c) I personally see ideology as something that operates in the background of someone’s life but is constantly being seen. We use these ideologies as a lens to view the world around us whether we’re aware of the choices we make or not. It changes how we see political policies or ideas, or to our own personal choices. They are powerful due to the fact that they can change the shape of our societies and become so intertwined with it that it is perceived as completely normal with no possible challenge to it. There are other ideologies and they can cause discussions about what’s right and what’s wrong, but that can allow for further evolution overtime as society changes. 

2. 

The difference between conservative and liberal ideology centers around the ideas of the role of the government upon the general population, individual freedom, and social values. Conservatives tend to gravitate and emphasize tradition, and want a more limited government. They think that the government should have a less significant role in regulating the economy by promoting the use of free-market principles that will provide the biggest benefit for most individuals. Liberals in contrast to these beliefs, focus on the equality of individuals, social justice, and the belief of government intervention to benefit marginalized groups by providing more opportunities for them. An example of conservative ideology shows that they generally are against the government intervening in programs that in their opinion does not deserve to have as much money pushed into it. Having the private sector take on this task means that the government would have reduced spending and therefore cause lower taxes. While liberals support the government spending on programs that would reduce economic disparities and to give more opportunities to those that are less fortunate. It’s mainly based upon how much power the government should have and the responsibilities people think it should have. 

3. 

Althusser defines ideology as a set of beliefs that people accept without questioning because it’s ingrained in institutions like school or everyday practices. To him, ideology functions in schools, churches, and the media which in turn controls how individuals perceive themselves and the world. People are controlled by their ideologies which means that they internalize the beliefs they have and will eventually act upon them either consciously or unconsciously. An example could be in a capitalist society that children are often taught to work hard in order to become successful. It captures the idea of personal effort being the main way to gain economic mobility although other factors may play against that belief.

1 ) 

a)Ideology is the credence or faith that a group or person holds, is their idea of a better improved “world” . What builds the credence of a person’s political ideology could be family background ,personal life experience, and even social media.we all live our lives with ideologies that were implanted from our parents or closer family members .In short words Ideology is the way you see and comprehend some situations in your daily life or from a political perspective.

b) In my opinion one example of ideology can be a religious person’s beliefs because these religious beliefs can shape this person’s morals,behavior,and influence their everyday life .Religions are carried by larger groups of  people with the same beliefs and goals .In some religions their ideologies are so strong that they proudly believe that only their beliefs are “adequate” or correct and due to this religion leans more towards a conservative political perspective; but also many hispanics that are catholic lean more towards liberalism ideology because of their economic situations.

c)The monarchy is the perfect example of a conservative political ideology because they are more discreet and for centuries have kept the family concept  their priority; that discretion that American conservatives want .On the other hand liberalism are more “open minded” or we can say “more accepting” of different ideas that give limited freedom.From what i’ve learned in different government classes i understand that liberalism is no longer that empowering “we’re equal” ideology anymore due to the economy and the new democrat party but now it’s more about choosing the “safest” option out of fear just like Althusser explained in his video.

2)

The dividing line between conservative and liberal political ideology is the economic system because liberal ideology depends more on the government while conservative ideology consists of believing that the government only harms the country and low income families will be alright with private charities for funds. conservative political ideology is considered a more “traditional” political ideology because their biggest motive is to converse the most “moral values” by banning abortion to have more nuclear families and keeping religions a priority  .Liberal political ideology is the most common specially for low income families because they believe the government can give them enough help if done properly; liberal ideologist believe that we all deserve equality .

3)

In my understanding Althusser believes that people just consider truthful anything they hear out of fear. Althusser described  that the government “brainwash “ people into thinking they have a choice ;for example with political parties the government make media debates to make people think that they’re against each other.In America there’s no such things as a “second” party if everything behind it it’s the same goal .

Ideology is a system of ideas and beliefs that shape how people see the world and how they think society should work. It forms their opinions on politics, the economy, and social issues. Ideologies help people decide what is right or wrong, and what changes they think are needed in society. For instance, a conservative ideology might focus on policies that promote family values, uphold traditional social structure, and prioritize law and order. This could involve supporting policies like reduced government intervention in the economy, advocating for lower taxes, emphasizing strong law enforcement and strict criminal justice policies. One example of traditional social structure is gender ideology. Cultural beliefs for girls and women. Men are expected to perform breadwinning activities, while women are expected to perform caretaking activities at home such as cooking and cleaning. Ideology goes beyond political or social beliefs; it serves as a mindset that organizes how we interpret reality and guide our actions. It operates subtly, often shaping our worldview without us being fully aware of its influence. Ideology is taught. It’s taught at home, online, religious gatherings and school. For example, our parents and government teach us that if we go against the law we will be punished. The values we are taught are to prevent us from going against the norm.

The main difference between conservatives and liberal ideology in US politics is  how each views the role of government and individual freedoms. Conservatives generally believe in limited government intervention, particularly in the economy, and emphasize personal responsibility, traditional values, and a free market approach. They often advocate for lower taxes, less regulation, and more individual autonomy. On the other hand, liberals support a more active role for the government in addressing societal inequalities, promoting social welfare programs, and regulating the economy to protect vulnerable populations. They tend to emphasize social justice, environmental protection, and civil liberties. An example of this can be seen in debates over healthcare. Liberals tend to support universal healthcare systems, arguing that government intervention is necessary to ensure that all citizens have access to medical services, regardless of their ability to pay. In contrast, conservatives often argue that healthcare should remain private, with limited government involvement, allowing competition to drive down costs and increase quality.

Althusser defined ideology as a system of ideas and representations that help people make sense of the world and their place in it. He argues that ideology is deeply embedded in everyday life and is promoted through various social structures like schools, media and religious organizations.  These institutions don’t just teach facts but instill values and norms that align with the interest of those in power. An example of Althusser’s concept of ideology can be seen in the way the education systems promote the value of hard work and individual achievement. Schools often emphasize that success is a result of personal effort and determination, encouraging students to strive for their best. While this can be motivating, it also supports the idea that people who are less successful simply didn’t work hard enough. This belief can make social and economic inequalities seem natural and justified.