Associating Ideologies with Paradigms

The Basis

The task here is to clarify the change orientation of political ideologies and their political parties, and indicate the rationale for linking them to depiction paradigms.

Once this basis is clarified, fuller accounts of the ideologies and their relation to fundamentals intrinsic to the depiction paradigms will be offered in the next topic. This will draw on previous analyses and cover: 

  • action and ideas
  • resource sharing
  • economic management
  • social needs
  • personal autonomy.

ClosedThere is a Problem using Labels and Examples

Using examples from actual societies is problematic because ideological concepts can be manipulated for political advantage. For example, the ideas of the USA Republican party in the 2020's have little similarity to those of the Republican Party in the decades following World War II.

What the ideological label promises and what the similarly named political party does when in power can be very far apart. Communism and communist parties are typical: rather than respecting and caring for all equally, most avowedly communist governments are actually fascist and authoritarian, exploiting and oppressing the mass of the population.

Similarly conservative parties typically claim to be in favour of freedom, but on closer inspection, this only applies in the economic domain. These parties generally demand conformity to traditional practices and vigorously oppose free-thinking and cultural shifts.

Finally, terms change their meaning over time and in different societies: Liberalism has been particularly problematic. It can refer to a centrist progressivism, to right wing neo-conservatism, or to a left-wing quasi-socialist position.

The Ideologies & Parties

Fascist and nationalist ideology/parties

... treat society as homogeneous and severely restrict individual liberties. They promote a unified national community, emphasize racial purity and exclude or denigrate minorities and members of other societies. There is typically totalitarian control over every aspect of society, including the media, education, religion, and economy, together with a glorification of power. Even fashion, arts and everyday etiquette may be minutely controlled. These features typify the Unitary paradigm.

Conservative ideology/parties

... value tradition, continuity and the plurality of diverse interests, but battle change by prioritizing order and stability in society. They emphasize free markets and seek to limit government interventions. Personal responsibility and self-reliance are valued as long as they support the business/corporate sector. Conservatives oppose radical change no matter how severe the injustice. The creation of divisions like rich and poor, or winners and losers, combined with a refusal to ameliorate suffering generates polarization in society. This thinking fits the Dualistic paradigm.

Classical Liberalism and Neoliberalism are Conservative.

Progressive ideology/parties

... have their sights set on social and economic development through government intervention. They perceive painful inequalities generated by necessary free-market arrangements, and identify other problems within society due to existing customs and earlier policies. While society is a complicated, there appear to be obvious reforms that will generate improvement for most. This thinking fits the Causal paradigm.

Social Liberalism is Progressive.

Socialist ideology/parties

... view the structure of society as critical for general well-being and social progress. In particular they desire to restructure society by removing ownership of the means of production from private hands and redistributing wealth according to formulae. Government is also required to create structures to deliver a welfare state with comprehensive services like health, education, housing, childcare, and to support those in need with benefits. This focus on structure, rules and organisation fits the Structural paradigm.

Communist ideology

... (but so far never the parties) sees society as a system that does not need a state or the structures of socialism. There is no distinction between classes: all are members of the community and willing to contribute. Businesses should be owned and directed by those involved. Governance can be achieved through direct democracy and should devolve decision-making. This entails a focus on genuine decentralization, and effective communication and feedback within groups. It is assumed that society will grow, flexibly reacting and adapting. This depiction suggests the Dynamic paradigm.

Anarchist ideology/Libertarian parties

... prioritize individual freedom and autonomy above all, subject to not coercing or defrauding others. Government should be strictly limited to protecting individual rights, enforcing contracts and providing national defence. There is support for free market principles and an expectation that individuals take responsibility and become self-reliant. Voluntary association and cooperation is promoted. All these principles fit the Atomistic paradigm.

ClosedCf. Libertarianism and Anarchism

Libertarianism is both "right-wing" in that it supports free-markets, deregulation and limited government, and "left-wing" in that it supports civil liberties, privacy, and permissiveness in regard to drug use, abortion, sexual orientation &c. Change is achieved politically. Philosophical justification is provided by writers like Locke and Hayek.

Anarchism is similar, especially as Anarcho-Capitalism. However, it advocates complete abolition of the state and all forms of hierarchical authority. Based in radical individualism and communism, it sees direct action as necessary for change. Philosophical justification is provided by writers like Proudhon, Bakunin, Kropotkin.

Salvationist ideology/parties

... need to be distinguished from pragmatic parties or theme-oriented parties that reject ideology and welcome all via a big-tent approach. They also must be distinguished from movements led by totalitarians and messianic characters offering unrealistic and doctrinally dubious promises. It does seem possible to conceive of a political ideology that sees society as a complex system that includes its environment. This would foster fair provision and social justice for all, constructive globalization, reduction and ultimate removal of wars, and cessation of pollution and the current rape of the natural world. Such an approach would be embracing the Unified paradigm.

ClosedClick to see Table.

Now investigate further:

Originally posted: 30-Jun-2024. Amended: 10-Jul-2024.