1. Values and Ideology

2. Human Nature and Ideology Continuum
GOOD
Society is perfectible because people are basically good. High degree of freedom and equality are possible. Laws and government do not have to be repressive. Left to their own devices, people will live in harmony.
POTENTIAL FOR GOOD
Humans have potential for both good and bad. Society and the environment play a strong role in the development of human social relationships and societal interactions. Freedom and equality guaranteed by law.
BAD
People have strong tendency for bad behaviour because of our selfish, greedy, and violent nature, and a survival-of-the-fittest attitude. Authoritarian government, harsh laws, and fear are needed to keep people in line.
Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies

3. Influences on Individual Values Influences on Societal Values
Values are deeply held beliefs or convictions people hold about the nature of the world, their relationship to it, and the basic qualities of human beings. Values are our basic principles.
Influences on Individual Values
- Family
- Peer Groups
- Education
- Mass Media
- Religion
- Workplace
- Government
- Social Groups
- Professions
- Aesthetics
Influences on Societal Values
-Historical Experiences
-Culture, Traditions, Religion, and Language
Geography
Economic Development
Social Structures
Foreign Influences
Individual Values
(based on personal ideas, beliefs, and attitudes)
Societal Values
(based on what is considered important to satisfy people’s needs)
CHOICES
Both individuals and societies make choices about which values they believe are important!
Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies

4. Values Values are the basis behind different ideologies.
Groups develop norms and mores about what is good and right in their society.
Groups also develop patterns of understanding that define how life and history should be interpreted and understood.
Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies

5. Ideology
Ideology consists of both conscious beliefs and unconscious patterns of thinking.
Ideology is defined as a structure of beliefs and a pattern of thinking that motivates human social and political action.
The political and economic system a society chooses is a direct reflection of the society’s ideologies and the values and beliefs that form them.
Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies

6. Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies

7. Examples of Conflicting Values
Individualism vs. Collectivism
Freedom vs. Control
Equality vs. Elitism
Status Quo vs. Change
Nationalism vs. Internationalism
Minority vs. Majority Rights
Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies

8. Ideology Chart Ideologies An Inquiry into Human Nature
Ideologies possess sets of beliefs about human nature. Ideologies attempt to answer:
- what are the basic characteristics of human beings?
what is the purpose of life?
How do human beings relate to each other and society?
Meaning and Origin of Ideology
A set of beliefs about human nature, society, and patterns of interaction between human beings
Ideologies
Other aspects of Ideologies
Justification for Political and Economic Systems
Ideologies can be distinguished by their:
Language
Symbols
leadership
Ideologies include certain beliefs about what out to be the nature and organization of political and economic systems.
Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies

9. Individualism vs. Collectivism
Emphasizes personal goals
Emphasizes goals of society
Individuals act on their own
People act as part of a larger group
Individuals are responsible for themselves
The needs of the individuals are met by coordinating the resources of society
Society benefits as individuals care for themselves
Everyone benefits from a strong society
Governments play a limited role in society
Governments play an extensive role in society
People are happiest when they accomplish things for themselves
People require security and protection in order to make their lives better
Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies

10. Political Spectrum 1. Based on who has the POWER People Elite
Democracy
Dictatorship
Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies

11. 2. Based on people’s READINESS TO ACCEPT OR BRING ABOUT CHANGE
Radical – dramatic change often involving violence
Liberal – desire to reform based on an idea rationally arrived at
Conservative – status quo; slow, cautious change based on experience and close study of the past
reactionary – very skeptical of change; desire to return to former times
Radical
Liberal
Conservative
Reactionary
Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies

12. Vocabulary Builder
Progressivism – is an umbrella term for ideologies that advocate moderate political and social reform through government action. Progressive ideologies generally support social justice and the rights of workers.
Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies

13. 3. Based on degree of AUTHORITY
FREEDOM
CONTROL
Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies

14. 4. Based on degree of CIVIL LIBERTIES
More
Liberalism
Fewer
Conservatism
Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies

15. 5. Based on degree of ECONOMIC LIBERTIES
More
Socialism
Fewer
Capitalism
Chapter 1 – Thinking About Identity and Ideologies