Definitions

Question 1

What is a belief system?

Answer 1

A system in which members of the group share a commitment to a set of beliefs and values that systematically defines a way of perceiving the social, cultural, physical and psychological world. Belief systems can be categorised as religious and non-religious. Both have rituals, symbols, stories, traditions and customs.

Question 2

Examples of belief systems

Answer 2

Christianity
Buddhism
Agnostic
Atheism
Scientology (controversial)
Judaism
Jediism

Question 3

What is an ideology?

Answer 3

An organised collection or body of ideas that reflects the beliefs, values and interests of a group, system, institution or nation. In general use, the term refers to the body of doctrine, myth and symbols held by the group that guides individual and group actions.

Question 4

Examples of ideologies

Answer 4

Communism
Socialism
Pacifism
Capitalism
Facism
Environmentalists

Question 5

Similarities between belief systems and ideologies

Answer 5

Both require a belief in something
Both are followed by a mass of people
Both may have a key person or leader
Both dictate ways to live

Question 6

Differences between belief systems and ideologies?

Answer 6

Ideologies are not religious
You can have many ideologies but not many belief systems
You can be born into a belief system but not an ideology
Belief systems often attempt to answer questions to philosophical, existential questions and believe in a deity

Question 7

What is identity?

Answer 7

The sense of self. This can be viewed from the personal, social and cultural levels. Identity is formed over a period of time and is the result of interactions at a micro, meso and macro levels of society. An identity has dimensions or layers that create a sense of inclusion in a group or culture. Contributing factors to one’s identity may include gender, sexuality, family, class, ethniticity, beliefs, social status, group membership and national pride.