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Very Short Introductions #095
Ideology: A Very Short Introduction
Ideology is one of the most controversial terms in the political vocabulary, exciting both revulsion and inspiration. This book examines the reasons for those views, and explains why ideologies deserve respect as a major form of political thinking. It investigates the centrality of ideology both as a political phenomenon and as an organizing framework of political thought and action. It explores the changing understandings of ideology as a concept, and the arguments of the main ideologies. By employing the latest insights from a range of disciplines, the reader is introduced to the vitality and force of a crucial resource at the disposal of societies, through which sense and purpose is assigned to the political world.
160 pages, Paperback
First published June 26, 2003
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About the author
Michael Freeden
39 books25 followersMichael Freeden is a professor of Political Ideology in the University of Nottingham's Politics and International Relations department. He is also the founding editor of the Journal of Political Ideologies. He was previously an academic at the University of Oxford.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 26, 2021
This is definitely the best written vsi book I've read so far. You'd think a book on ideology could only go so far in terms of definitions and explanations, but this book is immaculately organized and detailed.
Starting with the Marxist roots of the definition of ideology, the author explains how Mannheim, Gramsci and Althusser's contributions expanded the theory of ideology in two short yet detailed chapters.
As the author puts it, there many different definitions of political ideologies but there is also a space of intersection where these various approaches coincide. He also elaborates on how ideologies order social and historical time, on how Wittgenstein's theory of linguistics also helps in understanding ideologies. He also vehemently opposes and dismantles the 'end-of-ideology’ hypothesis.
The morphological approach was completely new to me, but the author does such a good job of explaining it that I found it very interesting and surprisingly easy.
But most importantly, the author explains, argues for and demonstrates how ideologies shape and nurture the political spaces we inhabit and why we can never be free of ideologies. There will never be an end of ideology in a vastly populated human society.
Starting with the Marxist roots of the definition of ideology, the author explains how Mannheim, Gramsci and Althusser's contributions expanded the theory of ideology in two short yet detailed chapters.
As the author puts it, there many different definitions of political ideologies but there is also a space of intersection where these various approaches coincide. He also elaborates on how ideologies order social and historical time, on how Wittgenstein's theory of linguistics also helps in understanding ideologies. He also vehemently opposes and dismantles the 'end-of-ideology’ hypothesis.
The morphological approach was completely new to me, but the author does such a good job of explaining it that I found it very interesting and surprisingly easy.
But most importantly, the author explains, argues for and demonstrates how ideologies shape and nurture the political spaces we inhabit and why we can never be free of ideologies. There will never be an end of ideology in a vastly populated human society.
July 14, 2016
2,5 stars. Some ideas were interesting and stimulating, and I liked Freeden's (very intelligent and well argued) critique of nigh-nihilist poststructuralist theories of ideology and discourse analysis. But Freeden's style of writing is dense and clunky and unnatural, and I had to re-read literally every other sentence, usually not because the stuff discussed was too hard to understand (although there was some of that, too), but because the syntax and vocabulary and the analogies and metaphors were so weird and counterintuitive. Also, what I wanted was a competent introduction to the concept and history of ideology, and I got some of that, albeit explained in an unnecessarily overcomplicated manner and written in that strange prohibitive language, which was doable but did not make for a very riveting or enjoyable reading experience. But I also got Michael Freeden's (admittedly interesting) theory--which took over most of the book, I'd say at least 70 percent--and his endorsement of liberalism, neither of which was what I had specifically come for. I.e., not a great introduction--in fact, whatever it's other merits, I think this booklet fails in its purported aim. It was also prescriptivist in its approach to ideolgy and how it should be studied, or even who should primarily be doing it, so yeah... No.
May 9, 2025
I was a bit skeptical because the author starts in the first two chapters with a conventional repetition of how Marx/ Engels, Mannheim, Gramsci and Althusser defined ideology and described its function.
After that he proposes his own working definition(s) of ideologies as patterns of beliefs, ideas and values held by a considerable number of people which implies or justifies public policies in competition which others. He adds several new aspects of which the control of language is the most important one.
In the chapter on "macro ideologies" he differentiates between three considers respectable and two he regards totalitarian. The first three are Liberalism (in the Anglo-American understanding as social reform), socialism/ social democracy and Conservatism in its American British understanding as well as in the form of Christian democracy. Whereas they accept pluralism and cooperation with others, Communism and Fascism do not (Freeden does not differentiate between Nazis and Italian Fascism). The latter two determined the understanding of ideology in non-academic political discourse but gave rise to the "end of ideology debate" in the post-WWII period.
To the macroideologies he opposes thin ideologies like feminism, libertarianism and nationalism who focus on a restricted sets of topics.
Political Islam (not Islamism!) is not regarded as an ideology in the sense discussed. Although it shares certain traits, argues Freeden, one cannot adopt it without adopting the whole package of beliefs outside the political field. A problematic argumentation. First of all, the ideologists (my wording) of political Islam like Mawdudi, Qutb and Khomeini stress the parallels with Communism and to some degree Fascism. Marxism does, as well have explicit assumptions on metaphysics, both Christian Democracy and clerical Fascism are as well embedded in Catholic ideas and life worlds.
Among recent theories about the emergence and function of ideology he praises Koselleck's conceptual history (Begriffsgeschichte) whereas he judges Žižek and Mouffe/ Laclau rather unfavorably because of what he sees a undue focus on language. Finally he addresses nonverbal forms of communicating ideologies.
Whereas most theoretical concepts appear useful to me, there a bit too many flaws when it comes to the actual ideologies dealt with. That may be due to the restricted extent of the book (the series provides moreover only a "further reading" list not a real bibliography).
After that he proposes his own working definition(s) of ideologies as patterns of beliefs, ideas and values held by a considerable number of people which implies or justifies public policies in competition which others. He adds several new aspects of which the control of language is the most important one.
In the chapter on "macro ideologies" he differentiates between three considers respectable and two he regards totalitarian. The first three are Liberalism (in the Anglo-American understanding as social reform), socialism/ social democracy and Conservatism in its American British understanding as well as in the form of Christian democracy. Whereas they accept pluralism and cooperation with others, Communism and Fascism do not (Freeden does not differentiate between Nazis and Italian Fascism). The latter two determined the understanding of ideology in non-academic political discourse but gave rise to the "end of ideology debate" in the post-WWII period.
To the macroideologies he opposes thin ideologies like feminism, libertarianism and nationalism who focus on a restricted sets of topics.
Political Islam (not Islamism!) is not regarded as an ideology in the sense discussed. Although it shares certain traits, argues Freeden, one cannot adopt it without adopting the whole package of beliefs outside the political field. A problematic argumentation. First of all, the ideologists (my wording) of political Islam like Mawdudi, Qutb and Khomeini stress the parallels with Communism and to some degree Fascism. Marxism does, as well have explicit assumptions on metaphysics, both Christian Democracy and clerical Fascism are as well embedded in Catholic ideas and life worlds.
Among recent theories about the emergence and function of ideology he praises Koselleck's conceptual history (Begriffsgeschichte) whereas he judges Žižek and Mouffe/ Laclau rather unfavorably because of what he sees a undue focus on language. Finally he addresses nonverbal forms of communicating ideologies.
Whereas most theoretical concepts appear useful to me, there a bit too many flaws when it comes to the actual ideologies dealt with. That may be due to the restricted extent of the book (the series provides moreover only a "further reading" list not a real bibliography).
August 31, 2018
Although this book brings up some interesting points the overly complex language makes this book more of a slog.
Read
February 27, 2018Neat. Had my high-school students read chapters one, two and six before we got started on political ideologies. Made for wonderful discussion material for the seminar. Freeden in da house!
December 19, 2021
Going through all the reviews calling the language here too dense means im either way too familiar with this type of jargon or ppl are picking bullshit up from each other cuz I had the exact opposite experience. Clear, concise, and to the point. A shortish yet infinitely valuable must-read for students at any stage.
January 16, 2019
'Very Short' nonetheless useful.
I will use it for consultation in the future to clarify some concepts if necessary.
I will use it for consultation in the future to clarify some concepts if necessary.
August 19, 2020
Very poorly written.
November 8, 2020
Aikana, jona ideologia on kirosana (tai oikeastaan haukku joka heitetään kun halutaan antaa ymmärtää että toinen osapuoli on aivoton), on hyvä pysähtyä miettimään mitä ideologia oikeastaan on. Samalla tulee mietittyä olisiko se sittenkin ihan tarpeellinen asia ja käsite. Ja onhan se, suorastaan välttämätön.
Tämä on tiivis puheenvuoro ideologian käsitteestä. Se oikoo vääriä mielikuvia ideologioista ansiokkaasti. Toisaalta sen käsitys eri ideologioista on vähän jämähtänyt. Se kannattaa lukea, jos aihe yhtään kiinnostaa. Suomennos voisi olla parempi.
Tämä on tiivis puheenvuoro ideologian käsitteestä. Se oikoo vääriä mielikuvia ideologioista ansiokkaasti. Toisaalta sen käsitys eri ideologioista on vähän jämähtänyt. Se kannattaa lukea, jos aihe yhtään kiinnostaa. Suomennos voisi olla parempi.
October 27, 2018
Very surprised and impressed with how challenging this book can be. Usually these very short introductions have to keep it moderately simple, here not so, with complicated discussions of Ideology complete with links to the different theorists. It definitely felt more suited to bigger themes than the ones about individuals.
January 31, 2014
If one manages his way through the dense literary style of Freeden (pretty usual for the Very Short Introduction series), one finds this book highly useful as an introduction to the concept of ideology.
September 28, 2014
Great condensation, though not sure if a good 'introduction'. While reading I noticed my mind raced to supply me with mental footnotes on connections, expositions, historical details. Great for framing and revision, but prior knowledge might be necessary.
July 16, 2024
Ideology: A Very Short Introduction is a good overview of the conception of ideology, which looks at the origin of ideology theory, ideology and theory, political language and ideology, macro and micro ideologies, the psychology of ideology and post-modern thinking on ideology.
This book outlines how influential Marxist thinking was on ideology. What is ironic from the outset is that Marx thought ideology was inherent to the ruling class in their need for control and coherent dominance but Marx created a deeply ideological way of viewing the world. I think Louis Althusser's State Apparatus plus Antonio Gramasci's ideas of Hegemony which are more useful than original Marxism in explaining ideology because it specifically focuses on ruling class doctrine rather than contradictory ideas that are wrong. Karl Mannheim's analysis of ideology is also significantly more useful than Marx's in that ideology is an intrinsic part of politics rather than being something inherent in capitalism and one which will end with communism.Ideology itself can be viewed as a symbol of culture, with Geertz arguing that ideology was "metaphor that carried social meaning".
Michael Freeden argues that ideology has not declined in significance and has continued as a conception in society. That itself is a debate. I would say that ideology distinction has changed from being about economics to one being dominated on culture specifically internationalist versus nationalist. That said, Freeden gives a good understanding of the overview of ideologies with the four Ps of proximity, priority, permeability and proportionality. Each one of these representatives of the wider elements of an ideology.
A post-modern approach to ideology looks at discourse where the ideology is understood through the language discourse that is represented in the text. This is both advantageous in not taking things for granted but lacks empiricism and lacks any sort of meaning. Ideology also is rooted in symbolism that holds psychological responses causing deep impacts on the person viewing the ideology. Religion is sort of mentioned as having ideology and using religion as part of ideology which is clearly part of American Nationalism. A quote from Rousseau would have been good, because the Social Contract emphasises the need for a civic religion which is highly ideological in nature.
This book gives a useful overview of language, the only problem being that it represents Marx as being highly influential on ideology but ignores certain American theories on ideology. However the book gives a useful introduction to ideology.
This book outlines how influential Marxist thinking was on ideology. What is ironic from the outset is that Marx thought ideology was inherent to the ruling class in their need for control and coherent dominance but Marx created a deeply ideological way of viewing the world. I think Louis Althusser's State Apparatus plus Antonio Gramasci's ideas of Hegemony which are more useful than original Marxism in explaining ideology because it specifically focuses on ruling class doctrine rather than contradictory ideas that are wrong. Karl Mannheim's analysis of ideology is also significantly more useful than Marx's in that ideology is an intrinsic part of politics rather than being something inherent in capitalism and one which will end with communism.Ideology itself can be viewed as a symbol of culture, with Geertz arguing that ideology was "metaphor that carried social meaning".
Michael Freeden argues that ideology has not declined in significance and has continued as a conception in society. That itself is a debate. I would say that ideology distinction has changed from being about economics to one being dominated on culture specifically internationalist versus nationalist. That said, Freeden gives a good understanding of the overview of ideologies with the four Ps of proximity, priority, permeability and proportionality. Each one of these representatives of the wider elements of an ideology.
A post-modern approach to ideology looks at discourse where the ideology is understood through the language discourse that is represented in the text. This is both advantageous in not taking things for granted but lacks empiricism and lacks any sort of meaning. Ideology also is rooted in symbolism that holds psychological responses causing deep impacts on the person viewing the ideology. Religion is sort of mentioned as having ideology and using religion as part of ideology which is clearly part of American Nationalism. A quote from Rousseau would have been good, because the Social Contract emphasises the need for a civic religion which is highly ideological in nature.
This book gives a useful overview of language, the only problem being that it represents Marx as being highly influential on ideology but ignores certain American theories on ideology. However the book gives a useful introduction to ideology.
December 14, 2023
2.5. This is one of the weak books in the VSI series. As other reviews have pointed out, this book is NOT an introduction of ideology to a general audience who may turn out to be anybody, who (I believe) is the intended audience for all the VSI books. It is a book specifically about *political ideology* (which the author clearly holds dearly), written for *students of political ideology in the field of politics*. It annoys me that this intention - that it’s written solely about political ideology for a very specialized audience - isn’t spelled out until the last chapter: Really, shouldn’t this be introduced in the first chapter of the book? Because of this convoluted way of structuring one’s argument, the author’s discussions and critiques only get less and less coherent, verging on the edge of slacking, towards the second half of the book. For instance, I found myself rolling my eyes when the author spoke about the applications (I refuse to use the term “appropriation” here) of ideology in fields outside of politics out of plain arrogance (and ignorance, of course).
However, I did enjoy reading the chapter on traditional, macro political ideologies, especially the part that talks about conservatism. The author did a great job showing what conservatism is all about and why it is in fact a quite consistent ideology despite all the appeared inconsistencies.
However, I did enjoy reading the chapter on traditional, macro political ideologies, especially the part that talks about conservatism. The author did a great job showing what conservatism is all about and why it is in fact a quite consistent ideology despite all the appeared inconsistencies.
November 21, 2021
Ideology
A Very Short Introduction #95
Michael Freeden
A Very good book, short and conscious. A good intro to a topic that can be convoluted to something else entirely. the book is well organized.
A Very Short Introduction #95
Michael Freeden
A Very good book, short and conscious. A good intro to a topic that can be convoluted to something else entirely. the book is well organized.
ideology was a reflection of all historical and social environments.
Relativism was the recognition that all thought was linked to the concrete, historical situation of the thinker and that it had no objective, universal, standing.
Relationism, like relativism, acknowledged the contextual location of thought and the absence of absolute truth in social and historical matters.
'Mannheim's paradox', namely, that we cannot expose a viewpoint as ideological without ourselves adopting an ideological viewpoint.
A political ideology is a set of ideas, beliefs, opinions, and values that
(1) exhibit a recurring pattern
( 2 ) are held by significant groups
(3) compete over providing and controlling plans for public policy
(4) do so with the aim of justifying, contesting or changing the social and political arrangements and processes of a political community.
Religions only become political ideologies when they compete over the control of public policy and
attempt to influence the social arrangements of the entire political community.
November 26, 2024
I think I don't enjoy thinking about thinking, which is odd because I love thinking about how the brain works and the self. I didn't realize that ideologies were only large political systems. I did find it very helpful to read short introductions to liberalism, socialism, conservatism, and totalitarianism.
June 10, 2021
Offers a comprehensive coverage of the development of the concept of political ideology. It is rather turgid which is unfortunate.
March 19, 2024
miks tää oli suomennettu päin vithuu
February 10, 2022
Ωραία και σύντομη εισαγωγή αλλά φανερά φιλελεύθερη προσέγγιση...
September 8, 2024
In the beginning of the book Freeden tries to explain ideology by carelessly spewing sesquipedalian words in order to capture the FEELING of it. It's an attempt to mask a rambling exploration of ideas as an actual understanding worthy of the specific language that is required to capture it.
After that, he does a very good job of explaining it.
After that, he does a very good job of explaining it.
February 3, 2014
Michael Freeden provides a concise overview of the main writings on ideology in the social sciences (e.g. Marx, Durkheim, Gramsci, Althusser). Taking a functionalist approach to ideology, he identifies various features of ideologies. The core of the booklet is devoted to outlaying his own morphological approach, focused on the 'core' and 'peripheral' concepts of ideologies, and distinguishing between thin (or micro) and thick (or macro) ideologies. The book is largely written for a broader audience, but will not be easy to comprehend for people unfamiliar with Freeden's work and political theory more general. Even for a political scientist who studies party ideologies, like me, there were many overly complex constructions and sentences.
Overall, this is a great introduction to, and summary of, Freeden's morphological approach to ideology and his thoughts on the study of (political) ideology. Perhaps most frustrating is that he does not really provide a clear definition of ideology.
Overall, this is a great introduction to, and summary of, Freeden's morphological approach to ideology and his thoughts on the study of (political) ideology. Perhaps most frustrating is that he does not really provide a clear definition of ideology.
August 12, 2021
Chapter 1: Should ideologies be ill-reputed?
Chapter 2: Overcoming illusions: how ideologies came to stay
Chapter 3: Ideology at the crossroads of theory
Chapter 4: The struggle over political language
Chapter 5: Thinking about politics: the new boys on the block
Chapter 6: The clash of the Titans: the macro-ideologies
Chapter 7: Segments and modules: the micro-ideologies
Chapter 8: Discursive realities and surrealities
Chapter 9: Stimuli and responses: seeing and feeling ideology
Chapter 10: Conclusion: why politics can't do without ideology
Chapter 2: Overcoming illusions: how ideologies came to stay
Chapter 3: Ideology at the crossroads of theory
Chapter 4: The struggle over political language
Chapter 5: Thinking about politics: the new boys on the block
Chapter 6: The clash of the Titans: the macro-ideologies
Chapter 7: Segments and modules: the micro-ideologies
Chapter 8: Discursive realities and surrealities
Chapter 9: Stimuli and responses: seeing and feeling ideology
Chapter 10: Conclusion: why politics can't do without ideology
October 3, 2013
A clear and short path for understanding Ideology!
July 7, 2011
A clear and short path for understanding Ideology!
April 28, 2012
Good introduction, great for using when revising.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews