Ideology - Beliefs

Question 1

What is the definition of ideology?

Answer 1

A set of value laden beliefs (a set of beliefs supporting the interests of a social group).

Question 2

What do Marxists argue is the dominant ideology in society?

Answer 2

Ruling class ideology: a set of beliefs that supports the interests of the dominant economic class in society (Bourgeoisie)

Question 3

What are the features of ruling class ideology?

Answer 3

• Acceptance of capitalism as the best economic system
• Acceptance of the power of the capitalist state
• A consumer culture
• A passive and dedicated workforce

Question 4

What do Neo-Marxists argue about ruling class ideology (or Hegemony)?

Answer 4

That it prevents class consciousness developing even though the proletariat has direct experience of exploration

Question 5

What does Gramsci believe about class-consciousness?

Answer 5

That ultimately the working class will overthrow capitalism as they will be led by a group of class-conscious intellectuals

Question 6

What ideology do Feminists believe society is dominated by?

Answer 6

Patriarchal ideology which legitimises gender inequality

Question 7

What are 3 features of patriarchal ideology?

Answer 7

• Sexuality - women expected to meet men’s needs
• Fashion and body image - expected to be obsessive about their physical appearance
• Fear of men - women restrict their movements for fear of attack by men

Question 8

What concept do Postmodernists use instead of ideology?

Answer 8

Metanarrative

Question 9

What are the three main aspects to religion?

Answer 9

1) Belief in the spiritual or supernatural
2) Faith on the part of believers
3) A body of unchanging truth

Question 10

How does religion differ from ideology?

Answer 10

Ideologies are not necessarily based on faith in supernatural beliefs, but on the interests of social groups

Question 11

How can religion become part of an ideology?

Answer 11

When a social group seeks to use religion for its own ends
e.g. Marx regarded religion as part of the ideology of the dominant class in society

Question 12

How have some groups transformed religious beliefs into a campaigning ideology?

Answer 12

Christian fundamentalism in the US as transformed into an ideology called Intelligent Design - living things are created by an intelligent force