Ideology, Science and Religion (includes both Christian and non-Christian religious traditions)

Question 1

Ideology - Definition

Answer 1

• A set of beliefs and/or principles. They are just one type of belief system.
• Taken to mean a particular set of political/economic beliefs.

Question 2

Belief Systems - Definition

Answer 2

• Popularly associated with collections of ideas that have religious basis. Ideology is usually secular.

Question 3

Karl Popper & Ideology (1945)

Answer 3

• Described ideologies as ‘secular religions’ - they contain descriptive and normative elements.
• E.g. Marxism can be interpreted as an ideology.

Question 4

Negative Ideology

Answer 4

• Ideology can be used as a negative description of someone else’s world view.
• Marx sees his explanation of society as a fact, not an ideology. He reserved the term ‘ideology’ for what he saw as the false, distorted views that were used by the ruling class to mystify the masses - justifies their position.

Question 5

Ideology

Answer 5

• They are not viewed as neutral beliefs but ideas that usually claim a monopoly on truth. In sociology, the concept has many meanings:

• distorted/mistaken ideas about the world
• ideas that conceal the interests of a particular group
• ideas that prevent change or mislead people
• belief system that is irrational/closed to criticism

Question 6

Marxism & Ideology (Ruling Class Ideology)

Answer 6

• Ruling class ideology includes ideas and beliefs such as the following:
- equality goes against human nature
- victim blaming ideas such as Bowles & Gintis “poor are dumb” theory of meritocracy
- Racist ideas about inferiority
- Nationalists ideas that workers and capitalists have more in common than workers around the world
• Ideas of the ruling class become dominant - creates a false consciousness but workers will develop true class consciousness.

Question 7

Marxism & Ideology (Gramsci)

Answer 7

• GRAMSCI (1971): Refers to the ruling class ideological domination of society as hegemony. He argues WC can develop ideas that challenge that hegemony.
• Capitalist society workers have a dual consciousness - mixture of ruling class ideology and ideas they develop from their own direct experiences.
• It is therefore possible for them to develop class consciousness and overthrow capitalism.

Question 8

Organic Intellectuals (Gramsci)

Answer 8

• Workers who have developed class consciousness and can spread it through the WC.

Question 9

Critics of Marxism & Ideology

Answer 9

• Some critics argue that it is not the existence of a dominant ideology that keeps the workers in line or prevents attempts to overthrow capitalism.
• ABERCROMBIE ET AL (1980): Argue it is economic factors e.g. fear of unemployment that keeps workers from rebelling.