Ideologies. Chapter 2 Heywood

Question 1

Ideology

Answer 1

a more or less coherent set of ideas that provides a basis for organized political action, whether this is intended to preserve, modify, or overthrow the existing system of power relationships (from a social-scientific viewpoint). It offers an account of the existing order, provides a model of a desired future, and outlines how political change can and should be brought about

Question 2

Meta-ideology

Answer 2

a higher or second-order ideology that lays down the grounds on which ideological debate can take place

Question 3

Individualism

Answer 3

a belief in the supreme importance of the human individual. Individuals are of equal moral worth and they possess separate and unique identities

Question 4

Meritocracy

Answer 4

rule by the talented; the principle that rewards and positions should be distributed on the basis of ability

Question 5

Atomism

Answer 5

the belief that society is made up of a collection of largely self-sufficient individuals who owe little or nothing to one another

Question 6

Economic liberalism

Answer 6

a belief in the market as a self-regulating mechanism tending to naturally deliver general prosperity and opportunities for all

Question 7

‘Big’ government

Answer 7

interventionist government, usually understood to imply economic management and social regulation

Question 8

Redistribution

Answer 8

a narrowing of material inequalities brought about through a combination of progressive taxation and welfare provision

Question 9

Paternalism

Answer 9

an attitude or policy that demonstrates care or concern for those unable to help themselves, as in the (supposed) relationship between a father and a child

Question 10

Noblesse oblige

Answer 10

literally, the ‘obligations of the nobility’; in general terms, the responsibility to guide or protect those less fortunate or less privileged.