Topic Summaries

Ideology

A-Level > Sociology > AQA > A Level Sociology Topic Summaries > Beliefs in society > Ideology
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Exam overview
  • Ideology refers to belief systems that justify the interests of a social group and shape how people view the world.
  • Marxist view: the ruling class maintains a dominant ideology to legitimate the status quo. 👤 Althusser (1970) sees religion as an ideological state apparatus. 👤 Gramsci (1971) argues ruling-class ideas achieve control through consent.
    • Underestimates the ability of subordinate groups to challenge ruling-class ideas.
  • 👤 Mannheim (1950): distinguishes between ideological thought, which resists change, and utopian thought, which seeks change. Advocates for a “free-floating intelligentsia” to rise above classbased biases.
    • Idealistic and ignores power structures that restrict intellectual independence.
  • Feminist view: patriarchy operates as an ideology that legitimises male dominance. Science and religion have been used to justify exclusion and control of women.
    • Overlooks changes towards gender equality in some contexts.
  • Nationalism – functionalist and Marxist views: functionalists see nationalism as a civil religion that unites society. Marxists see it as false consciousness dividing the working class internationally.
    • Does not account for cases where nationalism inspires liberation movements.

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