Chapter One Introduction to Ideologies

Political Ideologies An ideology, such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, or fascism, is a comprehensive set of beliefs that combine theory with practice. Each ideology has its own logic about the individual and human nature, and the relationship between the individual and society.

Political Ideologies Ideologies have four functions 1) Explanation 2) Evaluation 3) Orientation 4) Political Program (Action)

First 2 Functions of Ideologies Explanation Why are social, political, and economic conditions the way they are? Why does economic depression occur? What is the cause of economic inequality? Evaluation How does one evaluate present social conditions? Take for example, the fact that modern societies contain inequality and class distinctions. A communist evaluates the presence of distinct social classes as inegalitarian and enslaving. A liberal says that distinct social classes are inevitable, but that differences between classes should be minimized when possible. A contemporary conservative might argue that social classes are good because they reward effort and ingenuity & help motivate people to work harder.

Second 2 Functions of Ideologies Orientation An ideology provides the individual with a political identity. Examples: A member of a class. (Socialism) An individual capable of reasoning on her own and possessing certain rights. (Liberalism) A member of a long running “community” or society that changes only very gradually. (Conservatism) Political Program Programmatic or prescriptive function. Ideologies recommend action, how to change the world. This is the normative function of ideologies.

Differences between Political Ideologies and Political Philosophies Most political philosophies aim to perform the same four functions that ideologies perform. A political philosophy typically does so with greater precision and detail, and is pitched at a more abstract level, with greater detail to contingencies and specifics. Plato’s Republic, Rousseau’s On Social Contract, Machiavelli’s The Prince, and John Locke’s Second Treatise of Government are all examples of political philosophies.

An ideology, (in contrast to a political philosophy) is designed to capture people’s hearts and minds, with a greater emphasis on stimulating agency (action). Ideologies place more emphasis on political program, compared to political philosophies. Political Ideologies vs. Political Philosophies (con’t)

Political Ideologies Ideologies are thus both empirical (descriptive) and normative (prescriptive) in nature. The twentieth century was shaped by which three ideologies? Democracy is not an ideology in and of itself, it is an ideal. Democracy is claimed as an ideal for liberalism, conservatism, and socialism. Each ideology defines democracy differently. Likewise, each ideology claims to promote freedom, but each has a different definition of freedom. Democracy & liberty are essentially contested concepts – there is no universal definition that everyone agrees on.

Ideologies and Liberty Like “democracy,” liberty is an “essentially contested concept” Essentially contested concept: Does not have an agreed upon meaning Each ideology has its own particular understanding of the content of liberty An agent must be free from certain obstacles Each ideology theorizes different obstacles between an agent and his or her freedom

Two Conceptions of Liberty Classical Liberal view Negative or “Modern” Liberty Freedom from governmental authority Socialist and Welfare Liberal View: Positive (Ancient) Liberty Freedom to participate in political life We will see these how these two conceptions used by the other ideologies later

Emergence of modern ideologies Liberalism, the first modern ideology to emerge in the West, first arose in Britain and France as a reaction to feudalism and the Church. Liberalism emerged initially as a rejection of the idea of ascribed status (the idea that one’s station in life would not change). Both Conservatism and Socialism emerged later as a response to (differing interpretations of) the excesses and shortcomings of liberal rationalism.