Furthermore, scholars of postcolonialism contend that a Eurocentric perspective of ideology can undermine and overlook the myriad other forms of social formations that can and have existed throughout history — namely those that exist in indigenous societies. A postcolonial lens on political ideology, therefore, seeks to center and learn from these examples. This is illustrated, for example, in the concept of “buen vivir,” which describes a Quechua way of life that emphasizes harmony with nature and prioritizes quality of life for all living things as the basis of resistance against capitalism.
Closing thoughts
Political ideologies describe a broad spectrum of different viewpoints on how society ought to be structured and which practices are best for getting there. This study guide offered an overview of a few prominent examples: liberalism, socialism, communism, fascism, and anarchism. Crucially, in the case of each political ideology discussed above, their definitions do not necessarily align with how these terms are used in practice and ascribed to different societies throughout history.
A critique has also been made of political ideology as a conceptual framework, as the terms are themselves used toward political — and even propagandistic — ends. Critics also argue that the concept of political ideology cannot adequately encapsulate all the different viewpoints and beliefs of those who claim to adhere to a given one. Still, having an understanding of political theory is useful not only as an intellectual exercise, but also in order to be a critically engaged citizen. For all its valid criticisms, in having a sound working knowledge of different political ideologies you will be better able to interpret current events, recognize when terms are being used in line with a political agenda, and maintain a sense of clarity in an increasingly polarized world.
Further reading on Perlego
Connolly, W. (2017). Political Science and Ideology. Routledge. Available at: https://www.perlego.com/book/1575821/political-science-and-ideology-pdf
Edgley, A. (2004). The Social and Political Thought of Noam Chomsky. Routledge. Available at: https://www.perlego.com/book/1623906/the-social-and-political-thought-of-noam-chomsky-pdf
Goldmann, L. (2009). The Philosophy of the Enlightenment. Routledge. Available at: https://www.perlego.com/book/1695805/the-philosophy-of-the-enlightenment-routledge-revivals-the-christian-burgess-and-the-enlightenment-pdf
Hayden, P. (2014). Hannah Arendt: Key Concepts. Routledge. Available at: https://www.perlego.com/book/1562062/hannah-arendt-key-concepts-pdf
Jameson, F. (2014). The Political Unconscious. Cornell University Press. Available at: https://www.perlego.com/book/534073/the-political-unconscious-narrative-as-a-socially-symbolic-act-pdf
Marx, K, and Engels, F. (2021). Collected Works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. Strelbytskyy Multimedia Publishing. Available at: https://www.perlego.com/book/2982724/collected-works-of-karl-marx-and-friedrich-engels-illustrated-the-communist-manifesto-the-capital-the-eighteenth-brumaire-of-louis-bonaparte-socialism-utopian-and-scientific-pdf