a. Ideology to me is beliefs and ideas that create and mold individuals. These beliefs and ideas play a big part in how they see the world around them. Their political views, their economic views, social issues and how they believe things should be resolved or ran. There are different political parties that have their own different thoughts on how governments should go about issues and how much they should be a part of worldly problems. The ideas and beliefs that people have help them understand the world around them and influence their behavior.

b. Ideology has a lot to do with how the government goes about different issues. Some examples being like I mentioned, socialism for one. Socialist ideology contains collective ownership, strong state control, prioritizing the working class, and aiming for equality. Socialists advocate for a more democratic government.

c. I understand ideology is broken up into different political parties. There’re many different ones. Liberal, conservative, liberation, socialist, anarchist, etc. One’s ideology depends on their values and core principles, their belief on how society should be, their beliefs on social relationships/humans and their beliefs on their government. There are many different political views and different social values. A lot of the influences on someone’s ideology is family, education, social groups, gender, religion.

Conservatives believe that a large government poses a threat. On the other hand, liberals believe that the government can solve a lot of problems. A main issue being taxes. Liberals believe that the rich need to be taxed more. Conservatives believe that the government should be involved as little as possible. One example of this is abortions. Conservatives are against abortions and feel as though the government should not be funding them. Conservatives favor minimal regulations. They also believe in the equality of opportunity in general, while liberals emphasize equality of outcome and highlight historical inequalities. 

Althusser’s definition of ideology is that if you are not self-conscious then you will reply on ideology. Althusser believes that someone’s ideology depends on how they were taught to live. He believed ideology is internalized by everyone. Politics give us a choice and make us feel like we have some say. Everything is really just an illusion, and we aren’t really getting a fair opportunity or chance to actually be involved enough in political decisions like who’s running for president. We only have the opportunity to vote between who is already picked out for us. But people are content with this illusion, and it makes them feel like they a voice through this process. Usually, people aren’t thinking enough about the inequality. Althusser also highlights how school highlights discipline. You’re taught to do things a very specific way and if you don’t cooperate correctly then there’s consequences. We either accept and comply or face what comes with not have a real choice.

1. a) Ideology is a set of beliefs, values, and ideas that shape how people understand and view the world. It helps people make sense of society, politics, and economics and often guides their decisions and behavior. Ideologies can influence how individuals and groups think about things like power, justice, and freedom.

b) Capitalism is a way of thinking about the economy that values open markets, private businesses, and competition. It believes people should have the freedom to start businesses and earn money with little control from the government. Supporters of capitalism think this system gives everyone more chances to succeed.

c) Ideology can influence what people believe is right or wrong, or good or bad. Different ideologies offer different ways to see problems and solutions. For example, someone with a socialist ideology might believe that wealth should be shared more equally among people, while a person with a conservative ideology might believe that people should be free to earn as much as they want without government control. Ideologies can shape how we see leadership and how we think about fairness and equality.

2. In U.S. politics, conservative beliefs focus on keeping traditions, having a smaller government, and encouraging personal responsibility. Conservatives often think the government should stay out of business and the economy, letting companies run with fewer rules. They value personal freedom, the right to own property, and strong national security. Important ideas for conservatives include “free markets,” “relying on yourself,” and “keeping traditional values.”

Liberal ideology supports more government involvement to fix social problems and make sure everyone has access to things like healthcare, education, and housing. Liberals think the government should take action to protect people’s rights, help reduce poverty, and control businesses to stop unfair practices. Important ideas for liberals are “fairness,” “equality,” and “government helping people.”

Example of difference: A clear example of the difference is in healthcare. Conservatives usually want a private system where people can choose to buy health insurance from private companies. Liberals, on the other hand, support universal healthcare, where the government makes sure everyone can get healthcare, no matter how much money they have.

Dividing line: The main difference between conservatives and liberals is how they view the role of the government. Conservatives want the government to stay out of things, especially when it comes to business and the economy. Liberals, on the other hand, think the government should be more involved to make sure things are fair and equal for everyone.

3. Louis Althusser saw ideology as a bunch of ideas and beliefs in every society that influence how people see their world without them noticing. He thought ideology works quietly, making people think their roles in society are normal and unavoidable, usually benefiting those who are in charge.

Althusser’s idea is that ideology isn’t just about what people believe consciously. It’s also about how society is set up to make certain ideas seem like common sense and keep them in control.

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.

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