Ideology

First, a note on my use of the term "ideology":  contrary to its more common meaning, a more theoretically effective way of defining it is as a framework for understanding the world, as well as the set of discourses (particular ways of talking about things) that support this framework.  Since no one is able to perceive the reality surrounding them without first interpreting it according to some sort of framework, any mode of thought, belief, or philosophy may be properly termed "ideology."

In thinking about the role of ideology in general, or of particular ideologies, it is tempting to try to account for their origins.  However, this is perhaps an impossible task.  Empirically, what we can do is examine how ideology circulates, and what its effects are.

Ideology may be strategically used to support specific agendas.  Ideology may also be sincerely believed.  There are not two mutually exclusive options.  Thus, a person may purposefully deploy an ideology to achieve certain ends, and believe it is true at the same time.

Ideologies are most successful when they are encapsulated in the form of sound-bites which can be easily detached from one context and applied to others.  When sound-bites circulate and are brought into multiple realms of discourse, it creates linkages (in the form of analogies) among these different realms.  When a particular ideology pervades many different areas of life and is easily repeated and brought into consciousness via readily-available sound-bites, the ideology appears as "natural" and "common sense." Furthermore, the more successful an ideology is at seeming "natural," the less likely it is to be questioned and challenged.

These properties of ideology make it a powerful tool for upholding the social order, particularly in the interests of those who benefit most from existing structures of inequality and domination.  Consequently, ideology plays an important role in the maintenance of the capitalist system.