Social : Lesson 2 Identity and Ideology Individualism vs. Collectivism After this lesson you should be able to:  Describe Identity and Ideology  Give examples of Ideologies that are commonly known.  Link Identity and Ideology  Define individualism  Define collectivism  Describe the difference between the two  Categorize political Ideologies using a political spectrum.

Identity

Belief & Ideology A belief is something that we firmly believe to be true, valuable, and desirable. Our set of beliefs can be called an ideology An ideology is a systematic set of beliefs that provides a group of people with a picture of the world that they believe to be true.

Belief & Ideology

Ideologies may include: Assumptions about human nature and society ex. Man is generally good. Humans are happiest when they are free An interpretation of history. Ex. Karl Marx – human conflict a result of class struggle between rich and poor. An explanation of today and a vision for the future. Ex. Marx – eliminate class struggle for a better future -> utopia A way to achieve UTOPIA (the perfect world). Heroes, rituals, and sacred documents. Methods of gaining converts (new members).

Our values are based on our deeply held beliefs Various Beliefs = Various Ideologies =

B: I think Equality is good I want to share everything equally I want to do what is best for the group at the expense of the individual. What Ideology best fits your Identity? A: I think equality is bad since it prevents the best of society from rising to the top. I want to do what is best for me. I don’t care about the group. Don’t want to pay taxes to help house other people. If you believe in statement A, move to the right hand side of the room. If you believe in statement B, move to the left hand side of the room.

Defining the two Individualism Equality is bad since it prevents the best of society from rising to the top. Interested in the individual only and not about group progress. May be unprepared to pay taxes. Collectivism Equality is good Sharing everything equally is the best way forward Group progress is more important than individual success.

Defining the two Individualism Collectivism

Discussion point How are the two Ideologies of Collectivism and Individualism different? Can we think of any examples of where these ideologies exist?

Politics that fits the ideology Communism -Comes from the word commune (community) -Very pro-collectivism -Seeks egalitarianism (absolute equality for all) Uses total gov’t control, including the economy through public ownership of property Favours societal change Also called “radicals” Rejects both capitalism and religion FAMOUS Examples are??

Socialism Seeks equal opportunity for lower classes Favours gov’t control (public ownership) of vital industries and agencies Pro-collectivism Favours many social programs (e.g. welfare) Liberalism Seeks equal opportunity for the middle class Favours change through legal means Favours gov’t regulation to promote social and economic equality Is less traditional (change is good) Takes the middle position Also called “moderates” or “whigs”

Conservatism Very pro-individualism Cautious of change, firm in tradition Favours no gov’t regulation (private ownership) For private property and private charity Also know as “reactionaries”, “traditionalists”, or “tories” Against social programs Favours elitism where a person advances based on their skills (and worth) Favours capitalism Social Conservatives are those who reject changes in society that are considered to be immoral Who are these people? What political ideology is strong where we are?

Fascism Rejects equality, but still believes that the nation is above the individual. Total gov’t political control (no democracy) Believes income inequality is natural. Allows private ownership of business and property but controls its usage Is generally “cadre” or “new order” based

Anarchism Totally rejects the idea of governance

LEFT RIGHT

Learning Objective 1.4: Examine historic and contemporary expressions of individualism and collectivism. Able to:  Identify the numerous political parties in Alberta.  Place the political parties of Alberta on a Political spectrum diagram.  Describe each parties Ideology in relation to their Individual or Collective orientation.  Evaluate the diversity of ideology our government represents.

Assignment 2: (Lab work) Step 1. Use the internet to research the political parties that exist in Alberta. The below web link has good links to the parties. Take some time to research what each of the parties beliefs and Ideologies are.

Step 2 When you have researched the parties, you need to decide where you are going to place the party on the political spectrum (provided.) Think carefully about which Ideology they closer match. Individualism or Collectivism? Step 3. When you have entered the parties into the spectrum diagram. You need to justify in the boxes below the spectrum the reasons why/ reasons why you think that party belongs where you have put it.

The Political Spectrum of Modern Alberta! Centre Left/Collectivism Right/Individualism Explanation

Does government reflect diversity of Ideology? “You can’t do nothin about it Mr. Whitfield. The Majority rules!!” Demetri Kuzma, September 2008