On the Concept of Ideology in Political Science

Dados Bibliográficos

ID3544707
AutoresWillard A Mullins (Carleton University, autor correspondente)
Ano1972
Volume66
Fascículo2
Páginas498-510
Data de publicação1972-06-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoAmerican Political Science Review (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 0003-0554 • E-ISSN: 1537-5943
EditoraCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.2307/1957794
OpenAlexW2034481541
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas72
Referências citadas36

Although the term "ideology" is ubiquitous in modern political discourse, it is used in diverse and usually ambiguous ways which limit its value as an analytical concept. The main ambiguity arises from the fact that, as most writers use it, the concept of ideology does not provide criteria for distinguishing ideological thought from nonideological thought. Lacking this power to make concrete discriminations, the concept fails to achieve empirical relevance. This paper attempts to remedy that deficiency and save the concept of ideology for the explanation of politics.The problem of conceptualization is approached by viewing ideology primarily as a cultural phenomenon. As such, it is argued, ideology has characteristics that distinguish it from other symbol systems. Of special importance in this regard is the identification of basic differentia between ideology on the one hand, and myth and Utopia (with which ideology is often confused) on the other. The features of ideology identified in this comparative analysis are then discussed in fuller detail with a view to understanding (1) the significance of ideology in politics, and (2) the way in which the concept of ideology can help us to understand politics, insofar as politics involves ideology

Ambiguity · Conceptualization · Epistemology · Ideology · Linguistics · Political science · Politics · Power (physics · Social science · Sociology · Symbol (formal · Systematic ideology · Utopia · International Relations and Foreign Policy · Law · Philosophy · Political Influence and Corporate Strategies · Political Science Research and Education