What does ideology mean?
Ideology is a noun meaning a connected set of beliefs, principles, or ideas, especially those associated with a political movement, social group, or institution. It can refer to an established system such as a dominant national ideology, to the guiding philosophy of an individual, or more broadly to the assumptions that shape a person's or group's actions. The word is especially common in political and social commentary, where it may be used neutrally to describe ideas or critically to suggest that a worldview is rigid, dogmatic, or used to justify power. In general contexts, speakers may also say someone has an ideology when they mean a distinctive personal philosophy. Ideology is closely related in origin to idea and ideal, and its history connects philosophical questions about the nature of ideas with later political uses of the word. It is useful because it names more than a single opinion: it describes an organized framework through which people understand society and make choices.
nounA set of beliefs, principles, or ideas, especially a political or social system that guides the actions of a person, group, or institution. In general use, it can also refer to a person's underlying philosophy or worldview.
- A system of political, social, or cultural beliefs that shapes the aims and actions of a person, group, or institution.
- A person's or group's guiding philosophy, especially when expressed as a distinctive set of principles.
- The study or theory of ideas and their origins, especially in its historical philosophical sense.
"The ideology of the movement emphasized equality and collective responsibility."
"The candidate's ideology shaped her positions on taxation, education, and public health."
"Many artists rejected the prevailing ideology and developed a highly individual style."
Use the plural when referring to distinct systems of ideas or guiding philosophies.
"Competing ideologies often shape public debate."
The word began as a neutral study of ideas before becoming a political battleground.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does ideology come from?
Ideology entered English from French idéologie, a term associated with the late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century French tradition of examining the origins and nature of ideas. The word ultimately comes from Greek elements associated with ideā, meaning form or idea, and -logia, meaning the study or account of something. Its earliest philosophical sense concerned the science or theory of ideas, while later usage developed toward the political and social meanings familiar today.
Related word forms
How ideology is actually used
Ideology is a formal word common in political, social, and academic discussion. It can be neutral when describing a coherent body of ideas, but it often carries the implication of a strongly held or rigid worldview. The historical sense meaning the study or theory of ideas is now uncommon.
Easily confused with ideology
An ideology is a body of beliefs or guiding principles, while idealism is a philosophical attitude that places ideals, often unrealized ones, at the centre of thought or action.