Difference between Belief systems & ideology

Question 1

definition of ‘belief system’

Answer 1

• framework of ideas which an individual makes sense of the world
• umbrella term for any organised set of ideas and principles

Question 2

definition of ‘ideology’

Answer 2

• it is a set of beliefs or principles
• one type of belief system
• often used as a negative description of someone else’s world view

Question 3

Karl Popper

Answer 3

• describes ideologies as ‘secular religions’

Question 4

MARXISM

Answer 4

• sees capitalist society as characterised by conflict and inequalities
• believe that it’s morally wrong and that resources should be shared easily

Question 5

Values

Answer 5

• belief system doesn’t tend to carry any judgements about the value of the idea in question
• ideology is rarely used in a neutral way and they usually claim a monopoly on the truth

Question 6

FEMINISTS

Answer 6

• they wouldn’t use the term ‘ideology’ to describe their own ideas

Question 7

Ideologies and beliefs include negative aspects like:

Answer 7

• being false or one sided/bias view of reality
• ideas that conceal the interests of a group
• it prevents change by misleading people about the reality
• self sustaining belief system that’s closed to criticism