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Political ideologies- Jupeb syllabus

Meaning Political ideologies

 Political ideology refers to a set of beliefs, values, and ideas about how society should be organized and governed. In the context of government, political ideologies help shape policies, guide decision-making, and influence the way power is exercised. They provide frameworks for understanding political issues, the role of the state, individual freedoms, social justice, and economic systems.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.


  1. 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.


  1. 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.


  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.