Ideology: The Foundation of Identity Flashcards
Ideology:
A system of thought based on beliefs and values that include ideas about how the world works, how we should live together as a society, and what society can become in the future. Typically, ideologies have an “ism” suffix”
Collectivism:
Left-wing. Emphasizes the concept of the common good and responsibility for others. “Positive Rights” are more common with collectivism (ie, right TO a minimum wage, healthcare, vote, etc, which can be more collectivist in nature, as they require a violation of some individual freedoms (ie, taxation) to function).
Individualism:
Right-wing. Emphasizes autonomy, “freedom from,” and “self-reliance” - being solely responsible for one’s well-being. As a result, the rights advocated for by those who subscribe to the above ideals are often “negative rights” (ie, freedom FROM government overreach, freedom FROM unfair taxation, and freedom FROM public health measures).
Culture:
The combination of a group’s beliefs, customs, practices and social behaviours.
Language:
Part of a culture, often there is a want to preserve their home language for foreign immigrants.
Religion:
A set of collectively-held beliefs and practices that centres on the worship of and faith in gods or a single deity that tries to explain human existence and our place in the universe.
Spirituality:
It can be closely tied to religion, a way of relating to the soul or the spirit or a different level of consciousness
Relationship to Land:
A connection to the land that people have lived on for hundreds of years.
Environment:
How a person views their land and may have respect or adapted to the environment of their land.
Gender Identity:
The spectrum of gender roles, aesthetics, and preferences.
Media:
Technological tools used to pass along information and ideas.
Human Nature:
What humans are like and what they are capable of.
Progressivism:
Ideologies that advocate moderate political and social changes through government reform (ie, laws)
Capitalism:
Individuals are responsible for themselves, they should be self-reliant, and should be free from government restrictions.
Communism:
Believe government should step in and make sure all citizens are provided for within a country.
Race:
Referring to a grouping of humans according to superficial biological traits, such as skin colour.
Dissent:
Openly disagreeing with government.
Student Self-Interest:
Picking a job with the highest pay, closest to home or school, working with friends, hours, will help prepare for a career, etc.
Employer Self-Interest:
Hiring dependable, hardworking employees, paying only as much as needed, offering benefits to increase productivity (more profit), etc.
Self Interest:
Acting in a way that puts oneself first.
Competition:
A struggle among two or more people or groups for economic, social or political advantage. Supporters of the ideology of capitalism and free-market economies see competition as an incentive for people to work harder and more efficiently.
Economic Freedom:
The ability of individuals to act freely as consumers and producers within an economic system (buy & sell what you want, work where you want). Only legal restrictions (ie, can’t sell substances that are illegal) stop one from starting a business or buying and selling whatever they want.
Rule of Law:
The idea is that the law itself, and not an individual, has the greatest power and that all individuals are equal before the law and subject to the same law. This concept has its roots in the Magna Carta of England (c.e.1215) which, for the first time, placed limits on the King’s power.
