1. Keeping in mind the material covered in this lesson, describe how you understand ideology.
*Ideology is a person’s perception of society, politics, and the economy. In my opinion it is shaped by the values and beliefs this set of belief shapes their attitudes actions and general viewpoint on a variety of topics
Liberals, for example, might be in favor of progressive taxation and Universal Health Care because they may think that these measures are essential to achieving equality. Conservatives on the other hand place a higher value on individual accountability, economic freedom and limited government.
Ideology is more than just a set of political beliefs; it influences how individuals perceive the world when opposing ideologists conflict over what is best for society, it can also cause division even though it can assist individuals in coming up with solutions to societal issues.
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?
*In American politics the main areas of disagreement between conservatives and Liberals are over individual freedom and government involvement. Conservatives believe that the economy should be driven by the free market and support limited government economic freedom and individual responsibility. On the other hand, Liberals place a high value on social justice and equality and they support government action to solve social problems and offer equal opportunities, such as through universal healthcare and education initiatives. For example liberals argued that Universal Health Care is a fundamental right that promotes equality and fairness while conservatives opposed it because they see it as a step toward excessive government control to sum up it up shortly, Liberals emphasize social equality while conservatives emphasize Freedom as an individual
3.How do you understand Althusser’s definition of ideology?
*According to Althusser, ideology is a set of ideas that, frequently without the individual’s knowledge, influence how they perceive their place in society. It is supported by organizations such as the media, politics and schools that “call” people into particular roles, giving them the belief that they are acting freely when in fact they are following. For example, students learn to obey those in charge and rules in school, accepting these behaviors as usual. These structures are used by ideology to uphold their status of things which frequently keeps people from questioning the system.
