Meaning Political ideologies
- Communalism
Definition: A traditional political and economic system in which property and resources are owned collectively by a community, and decisions are made through consensus.
Explanation: It emphasizes collective ownership, cooperation, and mutual support, often found in pre-colonial African societies.
- Feudalism
Definition: A hierarchical political and economic system where land is held by nobles in exchange for military service, and peasants work the land under obligation.
Explanation: Common in medieval Europe, it was based on loyalty, protection, and land ownership, creating a rigid class structure.
- Capitalism
Definition: An economic and political system where private individuals own the means of production and operate for profit in a competitive market.
Explanation: It supports free enterprise, minimal government interference, and rewards innovation and entrepreneurship.
Imperialism
Definition: A policy by which a country extends its power and influence through colonization, use of military force, or other means.
Explanation: It often involves exploiting weaker nations for economic gain and political dominance.
- Fascism
Definition: An authoritarian and nationalistic political ideology that emphasizes centralized power, suppression of opposition, and control over society.
Explanation: Fascist regimes glorify the state, promote militarism, and often eliminate democratic freedoms.
Nazism
Definition: A form of fascism associated with Adolf Hitler’s Germany, characterized by extreme nationalism, racial superiority, and totalitarian rule.
Explanation: It promoted Aryan supremacy, antisemitism, and led to World War II and the Holocaust.
- Marxism
Definition: A political and economic theory developed by Karl Marx advocating for a classless society achieved through the overthrow of capitalism by the proletariat.
Explanation: It sees history as a struggle between classes and calls for the abolition of private property and exploitation.
Socialism
Definition: A political and economic system where the means of production are owned or regulated by the state or the community to ensure social and economic equality.
Explanation: It aims to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor through redistribution and social welfare programs.
Communism
Definition: An advanced stage of socialism where all property is publicly owned, and each person works and is paid according to their ability and needs.
Explanation: It envisions a stateless, classless society without exploitation or inequality.
- Authoritarianism
Definition: A political system characterized by strong central power and limited political freedoms, with little input from citizens.
Explanation: Leaders maintain control through censorship, repression, and a lack of democratic institutions.
- Totalitarianism
Definition: An extreme form of authoritarianism where the state seeks total control over all aspects of public and private life.
Explanation: It uses propaganda, surveillance, and terror to maintain complete dominance and eliminate dissent.
- Anarchism
Definition: A political philosophy that rejects all forms of involuntary government and advocates for a stateless society based on voluntary cooperation.
Explanation: It views authority as inherently oppressive and believes society can self-regulate through mutual aid.
- Feminism
Definition: A movement and ideology that seeks to establish and achieve political, economic, personal, and social equality of the sexes.
Explanation: Feminism challenges patriarchy and advocates for women's rights and gender justice.
- Environmentalism
Definition: A political and ethical movement that seeks to protect the natural environment and promote sustainable practices.
Explanation: It addresses issues like climate change, pollution, deforestation, and biodiversity loss through policy and advocacy.