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On the Concept of Ideology in Political Science

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  • Mullins, Willard A.

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Mullins, Willard A., 1972. "On the Concept of Ideology in Political Science," American Political Science Review, Cambridge University Press, vol. 66(2), pages 498-510, June.
  • Handle: RePEc:cup:apsrev:v:66:y:1972:i:02:p:498-510_13
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    Cited by:

    1. Russell Smyth & Vinod Mishra & Xiaolei Qian, 2010. "Knowing One’s Lot in Life Versus Climbing the Social Ladder: The Formation of Redistributive Preferences in Urban China," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 96(2), pages 275-293, April.
    2. Ambrosé Du Plessis, 2014. "The Forum on China– Africa Cooperation, Ideas and Aid: National Interest(s) or Strategic Partnership?," Insight on Africa, , vol. 6(2), pages 113-130, July.
    3. Angelos Kissas, 2015. "Political advertising in the crossroad of political pragmatism and political ideology," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 64017, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    4. Duygu Turker & Ozge Can & Gizem Aras‐Beger, 2023. "How authenticity of corporate social responsibility affects organizational attractiveness: Stakeholder perceptions of organizational ideology," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 30(4), pages 1680-1697, July.
    5. Bisin, Alberto & Verdier, Thierry, 2000. "A model of cultural transmission, voting and political ideology," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 16(1), pages 5-29, March.
    6. Bjørnskov, Christian, 2005. "Political Ideology and Economic Freedom," Working Papers 05-8, University of Aarhus, Aarhus School of Business, Department of Economics.
    7. Oluwafemi Senu & Folarin Daranijoh, 2018. "African school of thought: The missing ideology in finding a solution to sub‐Saharan African insecurity," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 36(S2), pages 1004-1018, September.
    8. Durdana Ovais & Richi Simon & Nilofar Kadeer, 2024. "Mapping the climate change attitude: careless or care less?," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(8), pages 21053-21072, August.
    9. Matias Ramirez & Javier Hernando Garcia Estevez & Oscar Yandy Romero Goyeneche & Claudia E Obando Rodriguez, 2020. "Fostering place-based coalitions between social movements and science for sustainable urban environments: A case of embedded agency," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 38(7-8), pages 1386-1411, November.
    10. John Gerring & Paul A. Barresi, 2003. "Putting Ordinary Language to Work," Journal of Theoretical Politics, , vol. 15(2), pages 201-232, April.
    11. Karynn Capilé & Claire Parkinson & Richard Twine & Erickson Leon Kovalski & Rita Leal Paixão, 2021. "Exploring the Representation of Cows on Dairy Product Packaging in Brazil and the United Kingdom," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-24, July.

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