1. In my view, ideology is a set of a person’s ideas which builds their view on how the society should address certain issues. These ideas are all based on and derived from core values that the person holds and believe in. Ideology do not have much power when it’s believed by individuals, but have an indefinite power when held by a group of people, in the sense that it can lead that group to make laws and do actions based on their shared ideas and believes.
    A good example would be the conservative ideology which put the individual’s needs and benefits above the greater good’s needs and benefits. This ideology is based on values of freedom and liberty. For example, if a person believe that each individual is responsible for their own success without any ‘outside intervention’ of the government, they will vote for a party which offers the least intervention by the government. That party in turn, once in power, would take the necessary measures to ensure the least regulatory intervention by the government in the individual’s everyday life.
    I also see ideology as the driving power of politics. People would act and react to the government’s action based on the ideology they believe in, the set of ideas that they want to see fulfilled and realized. They will also act to convince other people that the ideas that the ideology promotes are ‘correct’ or worth to fulfill and live by. No person would go to vote, to demonstrate or debate without believing in an ideology.
  2. Conservatives and liberals in U.S. politics have different views on government, freedom, social values, economy, etc. Conservatives believe in limited government, focusing on free markets and personal responsibility. They value traditional social norms and prioritize economic freedoms like lower taxes. In contrast, liberals think government should actively address inequality, regulate businesses, and provide social services. They support personal freedoms related to lifestyle choices and champion progressive social values.
    A key difference is how much power the government should have. For example, conservatives often oppose government-run healthcare, believing competition is better, while liberals support it to ensure everyone has access to it. Similarly, conservatives may prioritize tax cuts for businesses, while liberals push for raising the minimum wage. In short, conservatives want less government intervention, while liberals see government as a tool to create a fairer society.
  3. Althusser sees ideology as a system of ideas and beliefs that shapes how people understand themselves and society. It works through institutions like schools, media, and religion to reinforce social norms and keep the current power structure in place. Ideology isn’t just what people think, it also shows up in everyday actions. For example, in school, students learn more than just subjects like math and science; They also learn to follow rules, respect authority, and act in socially acceptable ways. They are being taught since young age that there is punish and reward to their actions depending on if it fits the general acceptable norms or not. This teaches them how to fit into society without questioning how things work. Althusser believes this is how ideology helps maintain the social system. He sees ideology as a ‘tool’ for the high-class to keep and preserve the lower-class in place and keep them obeying the rules and without the urge to rebel or question their place.

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