1.An ideology is a group of beliefs or ideas that permits people to explain and understand the world. It serves to give direction to peoples’ thinking concerning politics, issues of social relations, and the economy. Ideologies therefore denote how individuals deliberate, decide upon, behave regarding, and reflect on really major issues in governance, freedom, and justice.

For example, the liberals would think that for poverty and inequality that is partaking in the nation there needs to some form of governmental action through the use of law and program. The conservatives, however, would be of the view that it isn’t upon the government to meddle in the lives of its citizens and that the freedom of the individual to make their choices should come above all else.

The ideologies influence how people act and what they find important. It is not just about ideas; it also refers to law, policy, and just how societies operate. For example, some firmly believe in capitalism in which companies compete freely; others espouse socialism, which discusses distributive justice in terms of resources being apportioned out more equally. Ideology is part of who we are as individuals and influences the framework in which we base our view regarding interactions with the surrounding society.

2.Difference between U.S. Liberalism and Conservatism: 

U.S. conservatism and liberalism imply different things about the ideal nature of government and society.

Conservatives do like limited government and personal responsibility. They desire a government which should not be involved in everybody’s life to let individuals take their decisions by themselves. To them, the values and the traditions are respectfully regarded; lower taxes and lesser government spending.

For liberals, a strong intervening government helps solve social issues and promotes equality. They believe that health care and educational services should be provided as a right through the government while the rights of individuals must be protected as well. In order to help pay for these, they seek much higher taxes on the wealthy.

Key differences:

Roll of Government: Conservatives believe in reduced government activity; Liberals have faith in increased government actions.

Freedom vs. Equality: Conservatives preach freedom; liberals vehemently promote equality.

Tradition vs. Change: Conservatives love tradition; liberals need change to advance.

To illustrate this, for example, is the debate over healthcare. Conservatives are against governmental healthcare because conservatives believe in a free choice for everyone. However, liberals perceive healthcare as something the government should give to everybody.

3.To Althusser, ideology was not just an idea that one chose to follow; it was something that molded the world for its believers sans cognizance. It teaches an individual how one thinks and behaves to that which seems normal to him, while in principle, helping maintain the power of those who exercise that control. Through schools, media, and family, it shows us how to behave and believe.

Example:

For instance, schools socialize children to obey the rules and respect authority. This part of the training serves a greater plan—basic in maintaining the existing social order—and teaches the members to accept things as they are, even when that status quo works mostly to the advantage of the rich and powerful.

In the end, the socializing role of schools reinforces a political structure ideologically supportive of the powerful.