1. Ideology is a system of beliefs and ideals of people attributed to their values but is usually used in regard to politics. This creates groups that align with similar beliefs as well as their opinions on the matters that are happening in this world. It divides society, as everyone has a belief of their own. Although some ideals are similar to others, which creates a group of individuals to come together to expand on their beliefs.

    B) An example of this would be how ideology in religion has separated many in society. There are many different types of ideologies that change belief when it comes to religion as well as how everyone follows their faith. Religion uses fear to further push their ideology, fear of punishment to sway people to follow a path focused around their faith or be punished with going to what they consider hell. This fear forces people to stick to what religion considers their norm and also rewards them for the good they do with ideas of rewards and paradise and belonging. Many of the core parts are shared between each religion, examples of these core beliefs being having faith, following what is considered the right path, and that there is a being who watches and guides us. But there are many with a very strong ideology that attempt to promote that their way of following their faith is the correct one, or that their religion is the correct one to follow.

    C) The term ideology is a system of beliefs and ideals that are developed from a young age, as the children in our society are influenced by the world around them, and later on they can either remain or change their ideals from their future experiences. This system gives those in society an identity to their groups as their beliefs are similar. Unfortunately, with how society is structured, this does not allow those who are considered in a lesser position to have a voice or place for their own ideology, forcing them to either follow the masses or be left behind.

    2. The differences between conservatives and liberal ideology in US politics would be their ideals, beliefs, opinions, and goals. The conservatives are a group of individuals that feel threatened by the government taking their liberty away. They believe government spending should be reduced and also desire lower taxes. Conservatives value structure and wealth, have strong faith in their religion, and traditions. Unfortunately, resulting in the cost of many lives. The liberals are a group of individuals that have their ideals and beliefs around the government as their focus. This group believes the government can help solve the ongoing issues society is suffering from. Liberals believe the government should be more involved with the current issues society is facing in order to be able to address the issue accordingly as well as protect the environment, resulting in proper help for minorities, the poor, and women. Liberals are more focused on how to improve living conditions, government funding for necessary social programs, and equality, as this group understands the government is competent to promote this type of change.

    3) In Althusser’s definition of ideology, it can be separated into two apparatuses: repressive and ideological. Both of these can be used to control behavior and create or prevent change to the status quo. Fear is one way to do this, and the other is the strong want for acceptance of your peers. Rules, regulations, and courts are how the use of fear comes into play. As an example we are taught the consequences of certain actions to keep us in line. Meanwhile, the media and advertisements create the opportunity for us to give in to the need for acceptance. Advertisements of clothing, or things of materialistic value, are put on display, causing us to buy and be similar to others who buy into this as well. We attach ourselves to sports teams or political teams for the same reason: wanting to feel a part of the bigger picture. Fear and brotherhood play important roles in Althusser’s form of ideology.

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