• Entry
  • Reader's guide
  • Entries A-Z
  • Subject index
icon backReturn to Entries

Ideology

Definition

Ideology refers to a system of interrelated beliefs and values belonging to an individual or group, usually but not exclusively in the political realm. It is typically measured on a left or right (or liberal or conservative) dimension. Research in psychology focuses largely on the extent to which people's attitudes are organized according to ideological schemata and whether they are linked to personality and other individual differences.

History of the Concept

The concept of ideology originates in the late 18th century and was used first to refer to the science of ideas, a discipline that is now called the sociology of knowledge. The term was later adopted by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels and was used in two different senses, both of which are still common: (1) ...

    • Loading...
    locked icon

    Sign in to access this content

    Get a 30 day FREE TRIAL

    • Watch videos from a variety of sources bringing classroom topics to life
    • Read modern, diverse business cases
    • Explore hundreds of books and reference titles