1.According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary, ideology is defined as:
1. The characteristic manner or content of thinking of an individual, group, or culture.
2. The integrated assertions, theories, and aims that make up a sociopolitical program.
3. A systematic body of concepts, particularly regarding human life or culture.
After reading the literary content, viewing the provided videos, and drawing on previous research from my sociology class, I felt the need to connect past knowledge with what I am currently learning in POL 100 class. This approach allowed me to understand the concept as a social construct that has developed from human society as a collective.
Ideology, according to the information provided in the literature, the video presentation, and the research, is a socially constructed system that controls every aspect of life. It offers opportunities for everyone, ranging from the most difficult experiences to the highest vibrational states, commonly referred to as “The Real.” “The Real” can be seen as the realm where genuine human experiences and possibilities exist outside societal constructions. It represents the pure, unmediated quality of existence that lies beyond ideologies and constructed social norms. This term was introduced by the French psychoanalyst and psychiatrist Jacques Lacan (1901-1981). “The Real” serves as the raw, unfiltered foundation that fuels and expands our current understanding of ideology. It encompasses every aspect of human existence, our ideas, needs, and desires, both tangible and intangible. Due to the rapid growth of the population and humanity’s constant drive for progress, there are experiences and concepts that sometimes surpass language or comprehension. These elusive aspects defy easy explanations yet continue to shape our evolving ideologies and collective expression.
As we have advanced with this term, the meaning of “ideology” has branched out into many areas, including politics, economics, society, education, religion, and culture as the list continues to grow. Simply put, ideology is a set of beliefs and principles that shape how we understand and interact with the world. It affects our views on social issues, politics, economics, and our ideas of right and wrong. Ideologies also help shape society as a whole.
2. We develop our ideological views through a process called political socialization. This includes influences from family, friends, education, our economic background, gender, and the political environment around us. These experiences teach us values like freedom and equality and help us lean toward either conservative or liberal beliefs.
For example, Ideology in political discourse can generally be divided into two branches: conservatives and liberals. Most conservatives often identify with traditional values, which can include adherence to religious beliefs, such as Catholicism, and a strong appreciation for national symbols, like the American flag and the bald eagle. However, characteristics associated with conservatism can vary widely, and not all conservatives fit a single mold. There are individuals who identify as conservative despite being below the poverty line, viewing their identity through the lens of collective race or community values. Conservatives typically lean toward the right of the political spectrum, supporting free markets and advocating for lower government spending, which often translates to lower taxes. They generally prioritize military funding and national defense, while placing less emphasis on social programs aimed at addressing individual welfare concerns. Nonetheless, the conservative viewpoint can vary significantly depending on cultural, social, and economic contexts. Liberals, on the other hand, typically advocate for government intervention and are more accepting of higher taxes, especially when those resources are used to support marginalized communities. This approach often seeks to bridge financial disparities created by historical practices like redlining and advocating for pro-choice policies when it comes to women’s rights. Overall, promoting rights that will allocate fair distributive justice for all citizens no matter race or culture.
3.Althusser argues that ideology is something everyone internalizes, shaping how we think and act without us always realizing it. He suggests that society has systems designed to give the illusion of freedom, but in reality, these systems maintain control by imposing rules and expectations.
One way this control works is through repressive apparatuses, which maintain order by using fear, such as the police, prisons, or even the threat of war. These forms of authority punish those who don’t conform to societal norms.
In addition, ideological apparatuses, like religion, media, and education, justify and reinforce the existing social system. For example, religion historically justified social hierarchies by teaching people to accept their position in life as “God’s will.” Economic status and race have also been used to rationalize inequalities.
Althusser believed that schools are one of the most powerful tools for this kind of social control. Since education is mandatory and children spend a large part of their time in school, they are conditioned to accept societal rules, respect authority, and adopt values that align with maintaining the current social and economic system. This reinforces the idea of obedience and prepares children to fit into predefined roles in society.
