1. A Collection of Ideas
POLITICAL IDEOLOGY

2. Definition of Ideology
A theory about political relationships and the role of the state
A set of specific ideas, attitudes and beliefs that constitute political legitimacy and the highest political values
An action program indicating the goals, ideals and tactics to be pursued by the state, political elite, and the masses
What ideology is not:
Not political culture (liberals are not necessarily moralists)
Not partisanship (Democrats are not necessarily liberal)
Not a policy position (abortion advocates are not necessarily liberal)

3. “Ideology as a Culture System”
Geertz, 1973
Social sciences have not yet developed a mature conception of ideology; the failure to develop its conception comes less from methodology than theoretical difficulties.
Social science is based on a claim to cold-blooded objectivity and advances its theoretical interpretations as "undistorted" and therefore normative visions of social reality. Ideology as well as political thought and religious thought seem to have problems to achieve this goal.
Two main approaches to the study of the social determinants of ideology: interest theory and strain theory
Interest theory--ideology as a weapon for men to pursue power
Strain theory--ideology is a symptom and a remedy for men to flee anxiety.

4. “Ideology as a Culture System”
Geertz, 1973
Strain theory
A response to the chronic malintegration of society, especially when social arrangement is or can be completely successful in coping with the functional problems it inevitably faces.
People are always riddled with antinomies between liberty and political order, stability and change, efficiency and humanity, precision and flexibility.
Ideological thought is regarded as response to individual desperation and thus a 'symbolic outlet' for emotional disturbances.

5. “Ideology as a Culture System”
Geertz, 1973
Science and Ideology
Similarity
Both make empirical claims about the condition and direction of society.
The social function: first to understand them (what and how), second to criticize them, to force them to come to terms with reality.
Differences
Science: (1) attitude--disinterestedness, style--resolutely analytic, to maximize intellectual clarity. (2) science is the diagnostic and the critical dimension of culture.
Ideology: attitude--commitment, style--vivid and deliberately suggestive, to motive action. (2) Ideology is the justificatory dimension of culture.

6. Marxism Historical materialism Historical progression
Economic (material) foundation of social change
Class conflict as engine of history
Historical progression
Primitive Communism  Slave-based empires  Feudalism  Capitalism  Communism
Inherent contradictions
Capitalism, profit & exploitation
Revolution

7. Communism/Marxism-Leninism
Central government control of economy & political system through a vanguard party
Three assumptions
Violence is necessary
Transformation will be difficult
Dictatorship group
Total commitment to equality, security, unity, solidarity

8. Socialism Improve lot of the poor, ease/remove social tensions
Commitment to Equality and Fairness; both political and economic equality
Belief in active role for government, especially over major sectors & resources
Collective ownership of assets (and state intervention)
Redistribution of property; but not preclude private ownership of non-essential resources
Policy choices: public ownership, extensive regulation, welfare system, redistribution of income, public service

9. Comparison: Marxism, Communist, Socialism
ATTTITUDE TOWARD CAPITALISM
MARXISM
Social injustice and social misery
Immoral & exploitative characteristics
Lack of working-class consciousness
Economic inefficiencies and misery
Alienation of human beings
Ethical shortcoming
COMMUNISM
Enduring conflict b/t the rich and the poor
Struggle b/t imperialism and colonial nations
Economic inefficiencies
Domination of imperialism
Moral degradation
SOCIALISM
Social injustice
Market failure

10. Comparison: Marxism, Communist, Socialism
POLITICAL PROGRAM AND SOLUTION TO CAPITALISM
MARXISM
To overcome alienated & oppressive condition
To have authentic, satisfying lives
To integrate public and private life
To create a society without poverty
To create a communal society
To abolish private property & economic inequalities
COMMUNISM
To reject capitalism by revolution
To pursue a complete state control
To abolish private property and economic inequalities
SOCIALISM
To end capitalism by peaceful evolution
To rethink individualism & put emphasis on community
To promote public control of the use of property
To promote a strong state
To promote a more egalitarian society
To promote political democracy

11. Comparison: Marxism, Communist, Socialism
STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS
MARXISM
Historical law of economic development
Scientific critique of present practices
Its great insights
Its utility
An utopian ideology
COMMUNISM
An ideology to ferment revolution
It creates authoritarian regime
It creates the privileged elite
It creates an overly centralized economy
It creates a terrorist state
SOCIALISM
Its insights in promoting communal harmony
Its incompatible goals
Its endorsement of strong government
Overly optimistic assumption about human nature.

12. Liberalism Liberty & equality of opportunity
Limited role of government but favor government intervention
Humans as rational and able to recognize and promote self-interest
Desire for a free, open, tolerant society
Classical Liberalism versus Modern (Welfare) Liberalism

13. Conservatism Tradition (authority, social status, privileges)
Human imperfection (people need guidance)
Organic society (traditional community; family)
Acceptance of inequality
Freedom & order
Hierarchy and society (against terror and social disorder of the French Revolution)
Property (justified because it is ‘earned’)

14. Fascism Organic view of society (society over individual)
Totalitarianism
Rejects equality
Elitism
Irrationalism
Statism
Militarism
Hypernationalism/Racism
Nation/people as determining identity

15. Islam View the Qur`an as the source of Islamic ethics
Call for a return to religion
Live according to strict Islamic codes
Reject Westernization
Five pillars
The Creed (there is not God but God)
Prayer (symbolizes rebirth & submission before Allah)
Charity
Fasting (from sunrise to sunset)
Pilgrimage to Mecca

16. Political Spectrum Socialists Liberal Conservatives Ultraconservatives
THE STANDARD LINEAR MODEL
Far Left Center-Left Center Center-Right Far Right
Socialists Liberal Conservatives Ultraconservatives
Communists Liberals Conservatives Fascists
Radicals Reactionaries

17. Ideologies in time Socialism Conservatism Nationalism Liberalism
French Revolution
Conservatism
Nationalism
Liberalism
Absolutism
18th c.
19th c.
20th c.

18. Political Spectrum State Market Welfare state liberalism Neoliberalism
A 2-DIMENSIONAL MODEL
Welfare state liberalism
Neoliberalism
Social democracy
Market socialism
Market authoritarianism
Left
Right
Traditional conservatism
State socialism
(Communism)
Fascism
State