Ideology

Definition

Ideology refers to a set of beliefs or ideas that shape political behavior and policy preferences. It provides individuals with frameworks for understanding society and guides their views on how it should be organized.

Analogy

Imagine ideology as different flavors of ice cream. Just like people have different preferences when it comes to ice cream flavors, they also have different ideologies that shape their political beliefs and values.

Related terms

Liberalism: Liberalism is an ideology that emphasizes individual rights, limited government intervention, free markets, and equality under the law.

Conservatism: Conservatism is an ideology that values tradition, social stability, limited government control over individuals' lives, and gradual change rather than rapid reform.

Socialism: Socialism is an ideology advocating for collective ownership or control over resources and means of production with the goal of reducing inequality through wealth redistribution.