Proyecto Noesis international blog on qualitative research, semiotics, cultural analysis and social issues

In the first delivery on this subject we went through the origins of the concept of ideology as well as some of it’s representative forms. This time we will look at the function it has today and it’s relationship with modern culture. We should, however, be reminded of three fundamental ideas:

1. That ideology in it’s general conception, in conformed by a group of elements that allows people to create a personal idea of reality.This elements may be cultural, political, religious and even formative and all together make up for a global view that many believe it may be expressed as the mainstream culture.
2. Ideology is also, and at the same time, a possibility to understand and represent reality in a different way and, by doing so, it may construct critical or alternative views of the mainstream culture. This perspective of the concept was very much present in the XX Century through left and right wing views of society that where not always in the same line with the predominant ideas of the western capitalist system. It is common to view alternative ideologies as opposed to the prevailing system and also, as elements of confrontation.
3. That todays society takes on a pragmatic culture that encourages values of plurality, liberty and tolerance. Pragmatism should be considered in itself as a point of view of reality, as a worldview that contributes to a very specific reality. Continue reading →