Ideology, in my own words, is how people think and what they consider to be valuable. And further, how these thoughts and values are in direct correlation with their political affiliations and societal beliefs.

An example of ideology is one’s stance on abortion. Some believe women should have a choice to abort a baby, while others are against abortion no matter the circumstances. The different positions on abortion lend to religious debates, discussions of opposing social views, arguments of economic impacts. The individual’s core ideological beliefs determine which side of this topic they stand.

Ideology is greatly influenced by your upbringing and environment, whether it be family or social groups. Parents or guardians may have the most influence on a child’s ideology. A child who is born into a home of gang members may very likely grow up as gang member. As a baby that child grows up wearing the colors affiliated with that gang. The child grows up attending gang functions. That gang is socially acceptable to that child.

A community may have an ideology that helps shape the belief system of that entire neighborhood. There are neighborhoods called Planned Unit Developments (PUDS). These are homes that have a board and a system of rules: the grass may need to remain cut, the trash is placed in specific locations, noise levels are governed, etc . . . Anyone who obeys these rules may be deemed an outcast. The community values these regulations.

Conservatives would like the government to be less involved, unless it is to benefit their business. They oppose many economic benefits for the disadvantaged. Conservatives support strong military and police presence. And they promote their religious beliefs. Liberals, on the contrary, believe that government involvement and regulation benefit the country. They are supportive of economic benefits for those in need. The Liberals would rather cut funds for defense and the military and direct those funds to more socially impactful efforts. The Liberals oppose laws based on religious beliefs but believe that individuals should be allowed to make their own choices. Gender has been a dividing topic for years now. Many conservatives are supporting Trump with the stance that there are only two genders: male and female. Many liberals are supportive of people having the freedom to identify with a gender that differs from the sexual organ they were born with.

Althusser’s definition of ideology is that societies belief system and behaviors are formed using some type of apparatus. He presents the idea of repressive ideology which controls society through fear using police courts and prison. And repressive apparatuses are only need when the state apparatuses fail. State apparatuses include schools, politics, and mass media. He argued that schools are a state apparatus used to train children for a capitalist society. For example, the students are told when to arrive and when to leave; the same behavior they will utilize when employed as an adult. The students are told to speak when spoken to or called on; the same behavior displayed on many jobs where the employee submits to the authority of the employer.

1. My understanding of ideology can be interpreted as a personal belief system, a principle that one embraces wholeheartedly. It involves having a strict moral code and knowing what you believe to be the right course of action. For example, one might believe in living the traditional All-American life, though such a scenario exists only in an ideal world. When it comes to American politics, abortion is the number one topic of discussion. Conservatives tend to oppose abortion, while Liberals, tend to be opposite because of the belief of helping those in need. (Note: The thoughts were shaped before watching the video.)

I realized that ideology functions as a system that keeps people in check, essentially ensuring that the lower-class citizens stay in line or confront the fear of consequences aka Policing. This ideology has been ingrained in all of us from a young age. We are taught in schools to behave to authority, to believe that we have choices in our everyday lives, all the way to the end of our existence. What once existed as a feudal structure with “lords and kings” has just transformed into a system dominated by figures in suits, big corporations, and politicians, now the phrase “the rich keep getting richer”.

• I understood the difference between being a Liberal and being a Conservative as follows: Democrats and Liberals tend to support public welfare and advocate for providing aid and assistance to people both in the United States and abroad. In contrast, Republicans and Conservatives often emphasize a strong faith in Jesus, oppose universal healthcare, and are generally against abortion.

In school, we were taught that the United States was once a superpower since World War II, which instilled a belief that our country should help smaller nations in need. My first real awakening to the political landscape occurred in 2009 with the slogan “VOTE FOR CHANGE.” I vividly remember where I was on 9/11, as well as the discussions about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and the ongoing battles in Afghanistan that were pursued under President George W. Bush (Republican) largely for economic interests in oil. In 2006, Vice President Al Gore (Democrat) raised awareness about environmental issues and global warming in the documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.” Under President Obama (Democrat), a healthcare system was established to support middle and lower-class citizens. President Biden (Democrat) has focused on immigrants entering the country and the aid of other countries like Ukraine, while President Trump (Republican) emphasized an “America First” policy, ensuring the belief of returning the power to the United States once had. The dividing line among these leaders is evident in the topics they discussed, as well as their policies and concerns. Democrats tend to prioritize people and the environment, while Republicans focus more on the economy. In summary, as noted by Parenti in “Democracy for the few.”

• The way I understand Althusser’s definition of ideology is that it isn’t just a belief but a system to shape people through an “imaginary relationship” (talk about boundaries), Historically the ideology was imposed on people through lords and kings through force and fear. So, to prevent “rebel scum” from happening ideology went through the education system, religion, media, and even family.

My responses to the previous questions relate to Althusser’s definition of ideology. I believe that my education and my upbringing—especially the narratives I heard about the traditional American lifestyle and the ideals of a prosperous America—shaped my understanding in a way that felt like an ideology being imposed on me. I often reflect on the idea that “we are all born Democrats, and as we grow up, we become Republicans.”

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.
   

1. In my opinion, ideology is a set of values and beliefs that people believe and follow. This can include religion, politics, the economy, and much more. Ideology can act as the foundation of many things such as a home or country. I am a democrat and the decision to be one is due to growing up in a household with parents who have liberal views and opinions. Another example of ideology is Saudi Arabia’s laws being formed through the lens of Muslim ideology. Many of the country’s laws and punishments derive from the Quran, the holy book of Islam.
2. The main difference is conservative and liberal ideology in U.S politics is their view of what America should look like. Conservative ideology is rooted in Christian values. People who align with conservative ideology believe that America should stick to many traditional (outdated) views and laws. Conservative ideology aligns closely to the core values of the Bible such as family and justice. Liberal ideology is rooted in freedom for all. People who align with liberal ideology believe that we should all be considered equal in America regardless of race, religion, or economic status.
3. Louis Althusser’s definition of ideology is that it is a set of beliefs that are there to keep the public in line and keep the government/ruling class in power. Althusser developed two concepts, “Repressive State Apparatus” and the “Ideological State Apparatus”. The “Repressive State Apparatus” is how the ruling class maintains control and order. This can create the fear of disobeying any rules and not questioning authority. For example, this includes the police, military, and prison. The “Ideological State Apparatus” is how the public and their views are influenced. This shapes how people view the world around them. For example, this can include church, school, and the media you see/engage with on a daily basis.

1)I

deology refers to a set of beliefs, values, and ideas that shape the way individuals or groups perceive and understand the world. It influences political, social, and economic perspectives and often guides behavior and decision-making. Ideologies can comprise of a wide range of viewpoints, from political systems like democracy and socialism to social beliefs about equality and justice. They provide a structure for understanding complex issues and can unite or divide people based on shared or differing principles.

An example of ideology is democracy, which values freedom, equality, and the right to vote, guiding how societies govern themselves and interact with their citizens.

Ideology is a framework of beliefs and values that influences how people understand and interact with the world. It shapes political systems, like capitalism or socialism, and social movements, like feminism, guiding behavior and policies. By understanding ideology, we can better grasp the motivations behind actions and decisions in society.

2)
In US politics, conservatives focus on tradition, limited government, and individual responsibility, often advocating for lower taxes and free-market solutions. Liberals prioritize social equality and government intervention to address issues, supporting higher taxes on the wealthy and expanded social services. A big difference is their view on government roles; for instance, conservatives might oppose government-run healthcare, while liberals support it to ensure access for everyone.

3)
Althusser defines ideology as a set of beliefs and values that shape how individuals perceive and interact with the world, often without them being consciously aware of it. He argues that ideology operates through institutions like schools, churches, and media to maintain the status quo and reinforce existing power structures. For example, in a capitalist society, the education system might promote the idea that success comes from hard work and individual effort. This belief supports the existing economic system by encouraging people to accept their social positions and strive within the given framework, rather than questioning or challenging the system itself.

1a. Ideology is a network of beliefs, values, and ideas that make up the way individuals or groups in society perceive and understand the world around them. It influences people’s cognition, behavior, and interaction with people. In a political context, ideologies shape how people think about power, government, rights, and social order. Ideologies often influence political parties and policies.

1b. For example, Conservatives believe that the government should play a smaller role in people’s lives, particularly in the economy. They may advocate for lower taxes and fewer regulations on businesses, trusting that a free market can best determine economic outcomes.

1c. I understand ideology as basically a set of beliefs about how society should work and how the government should be involved in people’s lives. It includes ideas about things like the economy, individual rights, social values, and how power should be distributed. People with similar political ideologies often agree on key issues, like whether the government should have more or less control, how resources should be shared, and what kind of laws should be in place to protect society. Examples of political ideologies include conservatism, liberalism, socialism, and nationalism.

2. The difference between Conservative and Liberal ideologies in US politics is their views on the role of government, social issues, and the economy. The dividing line lies in Conservatives believing minimal interference from the government amongst individuals which promotes liberty amongst them. They also lean more towards traditional values. Liberals believe in a larger government and equality rights amongst individuals in society. A conservative politician might argue against universal healthcare, believing that it would lead to excessive government involvement in people’s lives, suggesting that people should take responsibility for their own health and that individuals should have the freedom to make their own healthcare choices. In contrast, a liberal politician might advocate for universal healthcare, believing that it’s a basic right that should be guaranteed by the government to ensure equality and fairness for all citizens. Suggesting the government should have the responsibility to step in and correct systemic inequalities, especially for those who can’t afford healthcare on their own.

3. Althusser defines ideology as a system of ideas that shapes how individuals perceive their roles in society. Including personal beliefs, he also believes institutions like schools, media, and churches reinforce certain ideas that support the existing power structures. For example, schools teach the value of hard work, obeying rules, and respecting authority because this will lead to success in society. This ideology will inevitably make up how individuals perceive and operate in society.

1. Keeping in mind the material covered in this lesson, describe how you understand ideology in your own words.

Ideology is basically a set of beliefs and ideas that shape how we see the world and make decisions. It influences our political, economic, and social views, guiding what actions and policies we support. For example, different ideologies like conservatism, liberalism, socialism, and libertarianism have their own takes on government roles and social issues. Conservatives might focus on personal freedoms and traditional values, while liberals often push for social welfare and equality. Socialists aim for public ownership to reduce inequality, and libertarians want less government interference. Look at marijuana legalization. A conservative might be against it because they worry about its impact on society and moral values. On the other hand, a liberal might support it to promote personal freedom and fix social justice issues, like reducing jail time for minor drug offenses. Libertarians would likely back legalization too, since they believe in personal choice and minimal government control. This shows how ideology affects what people think about policies. Understanding ideology means seeing how these different views impact society. Ideologies aren’t just ideas; they influence laws, cultural norms, and everyday life. By looking at how ideologies work, we can understand why people believe what they do and how those beliefs lead to changes in society.

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? Given an example to backup your arguments.

In U.S. politics, the difference between conservative and liberal ideology can be seen in how each views the role of government and individual freedoms. Conservatives often believe that the government should have a limited role, especially in economic matters, emphasizing personal responsibility and traditional values. They might prioritize individual rights like owning guns and are generally skeptical of large social welfare programs. On the other hand, liberals tend to support a more active government role in reducing social inequalities and providing services such as healthcare and education. They focus on social justice and environmental protection, believing that collective efforts can lead to a fairer society. For instance, when it comes to healthcare, conservatives might worry about too much government control, while liberals see universal healthcare as essential for ensuring everyone has access to medical care. These differences highlight how conservatives value individualism and self-reliance, whereas liberals emphasize community support and equality.

3. How do you understand Althusser’s definition of ideology? Paraphrase it in your own words. Given an example. Hint: you may have to watch the second video again, and find the few places where Althusser’s position is presented.

Louis Althusser, a Marxist Philosopher, describes ideology as a set of beliefs and ideas that unconsciously influence how individuals understand and engage with the world around them. Ideology works in such a way that people often accept these beliefs as natural or obvious, without questioning their origins or implications. Take deportation, for example. In capitalist societies, the rich might push the idea that deporting immigrants will fix economic problems and create more jobs for citizens. This shifts attention away from bigger issues such as low wages or lack of investment in local communities. As a result, people might support strict immigration policies and politicians who call for mass deportations, thinking it will help their economic situation. However, these actions can lead to labor shortages and hurt industries that rely on immigrant workers, which ends up affecting everyone negatively. By focusing on deportation, the real causes of economic challenges get ignored, showing how ideology can distract from the actual problems.

I know many people say “perspective” often but ideology is very similar to exactly that. A persons systems of ideas, beliefs, and values that shape how a person see the world & many of ones perspectives. It creates a space for an individual to understand different things and understand the aspect of if this is considered right or wrong. For instance , Capitalism and Socialism which has two different perspectives of the right thing on the same thing which would be the economy. Capitalism believes in private business and overall competition while socialism believes in the government being the middleman with the idea that it makes things fair.

◦   Ideology shapes the way we think, our perspective and further more than just that. Whether you believe in something because you overheard your favorite celebrity say it or you heard it at home from family, at school, work, or friends or wherever it influence the way you see society and how things work. For example , videos on TikTok may promote recent action or the president but our OWN morals and perspectives are against the things that some people are saying is ok. 

◦   Liberals Vs. Conservatives , liberals support larger governments that solves economic  and social problems. Liberals advocate for higher taxes, social programs and polices while conservatives believe in smaller governments, lower taxes and people taking on personal responsibilities. For instance Gun control liberals believe in stricter gun policies being enforced background checks and proof an individual can be with a firearm and bans on certain things like “switches” and “AR’s” while conservatives support defend one’s right to possess a firearm with limited restrictions. They argue that they are protection the individual freedom and right to defend themselves. 

◦   Althusser argued that ideology isn’t that much of a belief system but something that challenges the way reality is seen. This is enforced through the school system, social media influences, and different religions. As an example , school is a place where discipline is installed within you. You walk in 2 straight lines , you raise your hand to speak and more but not only is school a place you learn respect and discipline but it is also a place your able to capture your identity and learn about yourself but you learn about the world and gain your own personal stance of society and more.