List Of Political Ideologies: Definition, Major Types, Role and UPSC Notes
Political ideology is a set of beliefs, values and opinions that shape one's views on various issues such as governance, economy, society, culture and morality. Political ideologies are often influenced by historical, cultural and personal factors, and they can vary from individual to individual, group to group and country to country.
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In this article, we will explore the concept of political ideology in detail, covering its definition, types, examples and relevance for UPSC aspirants. We will also discuss some of the political ideologies in India and how they have shaped the Indian political landscape. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what political ideology is and why it matters for your UPSC preparation.
What Is Political Ideology?
Political ideology is a logically consistent group of ideas, beliefs and values that can be used to explain, interpret and organise politics. It presents a set of principles that society must be built according to, such as how it must be ruled, by whom, and who should possess the resources and power. Ideologies influence how people behave politically, their policy preferences, and how they identify with a given ideology or grouping. They give citizens a feeling of identity and importance in the affairs of the state and shape discussions about justice, freedom, equality and power. The major political ideologies are liberalism, conservatism, socialism, nationalism and feminism, among others, which have their respective definitions of a society and their ideas of how the society should be governed.
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List of Political Ideologies
The following table will give a list of political ideologies along with their subtypes.
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Political Ideology |
Subtypes of Political Ideology |
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Anarchism |
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Authoritarianism |
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Communitarianism |
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Communism |
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Conservatism |
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Corporatism |
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Democracy |
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Environmentalism |
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Fascism and Nazism |
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Identity politics |
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Feminism |
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Liberalism |
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Libertarianism |
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Nationalism |
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Populism |
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Progressivism |
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Socialism |
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Major Types of Political Ideologies
Political ideologies define the fundamentals of political discourse and are a set of shared values or beliefs which provide the basis for social, economic, and political systems. They give individuals and groups a framework to analyze past actions, gauge current events, and provide a vision for the future. Here, we'll dive deeper into some of the major types of political ideologies including Nationalism, Communitarianism, Marxism, Authoritarianism, Democracy, Nazism, and Feminism.
You might also be interested in learning more about the Social Structure of India.
There are many types of political ideologies in the world, each with its own characteristics, principles and goals. However, some of the most common and influential ones are:
Nationalism
Nationalism is a political ideology that places emphasis on the interests of a particular nation or ethnic group, often with the belief that this entity should be politically autonomous. It is characterized by a strong sense of collective identity, often derived from shared culture, language, or history. This ideology may also involve the belief that one's nation is superior to others, leading to the promotion of national unity, independence, or territorial integrity.
Liberalism
Liberalism is an ideology that emphasizes individual rights, freedom, democracy and human dignity. Liberals believe that people should be free to pursue their own happiness and interests without undue interference from the state or other authorities. Liberals also support civil liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, association and press. Liberals generally favor a market economy with some regulation and social welfare to ensure fairness and justice.
Subtypes:
- Neoclassical liberalism
- Neo-liberalism
- Ordoliberalism
- Secular liberalism
- Social liberalism
- Technoliberalism
- Secularism
Conservatism
Conservatism is an ideology that values tradition, order, stability and authority. Conservatives believe that society should be based on established norms and institutions that have proven their worth over time. Conservatives also respect hierarchy, discipline and loyalty. Conservatives generally oppose radical changes and prefer gradual reforms that preserve the existing social order.
Subtypes:
- Authoritarian conservatism
- Bioconservatism
- Black conservatism
- Civic conservatism
- Classical conservatism
Socialism
Socialism is an ideology that advocates collective ownership and control of the means of production and distribution. Socialists believe that capitalism creates inequality, exploitation and alienation among the people. Socialists also emphasize social justice, solidarity and cooperation. Socialists generally favor a planned economy with public services and redistribution of wealth to ensure equality and welfare.
Communism
Communism is an ideology that aims to create a classless, stateless and moneyless society based on common ownership of all property. Communists believe that capitalism leads to class conflict, oppression and misery for the majority of the people. Communists also reject religion, nationalism and other forms of ideology as false consciousness. Communists generally advocate a revolutionary overthrow of the existing system and the establishment of a dictatorship of the proletariat.
Subtypes:
- Barracks communism
- Leninism
- Stalinism
- Marxism
- Naxalism
Communitarianism
Communitarianism places significant emphasis on the community and society above the individual. It proposes that a person's social identity and personality are largely molded by community relationships, with a focus on the shared values and goals of the group. It challenges the concept of individualism and instead stresses the importance of communal responsibility, social order, and a sense of belonging in shaping social norms and policies.
Subtypes:
- Communitarian corporatism
- Mutualism
- Distributism
- Eurasianism
Fascism
Fascism is an ideology that glorifies the nation, the state and the leader as supreme entities. Fascists believe that society should be organized into a totalitarian regime that controls all aspects of life. Fascists also promote militarism, nationalism, racism and violence as means to achieve their goals. Fascists generally oppose democracy, liberalism, socialism and communism as weak and decadent.
Anarchism
Anarchism is an ideology that rejects all forms of authority and hierarchy as illegitimate and oppressive. Anarchists believe that people should be free to organize themselves voluntarily into autonomous communities based on mutual aid and cooperation. Anarchists also advocate direct action, self-management and decentralization as alternatives to state power. Anarchists generally oppose capitalism, statism, religion and other forms of domination.
Subtypes:
- Classical anarchism
- Individualist anarchism
- Libertarianism
- Social anarchism
- Insurrectionary anarchism
Marxism
Marxism, rooted in the works of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, is a political and economic ideology that critiques capitalism and advocates for a classless society. It posits that society is characterized by class struggles, with the working class (proletariat) being exploited by the owning class (bourgeoisie). Marxists advocate for a revolution that leads to the abolition of private property and the establishment of a society where the means of production are owned communally.
This may interest you to know the difference between Marxism and Communism.
Democracy
Democracy is a political ideology that advocates for government by the people, either directly or through elected representatives. It is characterized by the rule of law, protection of human rights, and equal political power among citizens. Democracy places a strong emphasis on political participation, pluralism, and competitive elections. The power of the government is limited by constitutional law, providing checks and balances to prevent abuses of power.
Subtypes:
- Associative democracy
- Bioregional democracy
- Bourgeois democracy
- Cellular democracy
- Majoritarianism
- Producerism
- Sortitionism
Nazism
Nazism, or National Socialism, is a far-right political ideology that emerged in Germany in the early 20th century. It is characterized by totalitarianism, fervent nationalism, racial purity ideologies, and the belief in the inherent superiority of an Aryan master race. It was the governing ideology of the Nazi Party, which led Germany from 1933 to 1945 under Adolf Hitler, resulting in aggressive expansionist policies, human rights abuses, and the genocide known as the Holocaust.
Feminism
Feminism is a socio-political ideology that advocates for equal rights for all genders. It is rooted in the belief that women have been historically disadvantaged in comparison to men, and seeks to challenge and change these injustices. Feminism encompasses a range of perspectives, from advocating for equal representation and opportunities in social, political, and economic arenas, to confronting and dismantling patriarchal structures that perpetuate gender inequality. It is a driving force behind societal changes aimed at achieving gender equality.
Subtypes:
- Neo-feminism
- Radical feminism
- First-wave feminism
- Second-wave feminism
- Third-wave feminism
- Fourth-wave feminism
Authoritarianism
Authoritarianism is a political ideology that values absolute obedience to an authority, often a single leader, over individual freedom. It is characterized by centralized power, limited political freedoms, and a lack of constitutional accountability. Under an authoritarian regime, the government has the authority to make decisions without consent or input from the people. This ideology is often associated with dictatorships and autocratic regimes.
Subtypes:
- Absolute monarchism
- Autocracy
- Despotism
- Dictatorship
- Imperialism
- Oligarchy
- Police-State
- Totalitarianism
- Plutocracy
- Theocracy
Political Ideologies in India
India is a diverse country with multiple political ideologies coexisting and competing with each other. Some of the prominent political ideologies in India are:
Secularism
Secularism is an ideology that advocates the separation of religion and state. Secularists believe that religion should be a matter of personal choice and not interfere with public affairs. Secularists also support pluralism, tolerance and respect for all religions. Secularism is enshrined in the Indian Constitution as one of its basic features.
Hindutva
Hindutva is an ideology that asserts the primacy of Hinduism and Hindu culture in India. Hindutvavadis believe that India is a Hindu nation and that Hindu values and interests should guide its policies and actions. Hindutvavadis also oppose minority appeasement and foreign influences. Hindutva is the main ideology of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies.
Socialism
Socialism is an ideology that advocates social ownership and control of the means of production and distribution. Socialists believe that capitalism creates inequality, exploitation and alienation among the people. Socialists also emphasize social justice, solidarity and cooperation. Socialism has been a dominant ideology in India since independence, especially among the Congress party and the Left parties.
Subtypes:
- Democratic socialism
- Reformist socialism
- Marxist revisionism
- Revolutionary socialism
- Ba’athism
- Nasserism
Know the difference between capitalism, socialism and communism here!
Gandhism:
Gandhism is an ideology that is based on the teachings and principles of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. Gandhians believe in non-violence, truth, simplicity and self-reliance as the pillars of their philosophy. Gandhians also advocate for rural development, swadeshi, sarvodaya and gram swaraj as the ideals of their vision. Gandhism has inspired many social movements and leaders in India, such as the Quit India Movement, the Chipko Movement and Anna Hazare.
Ambedkarism:
Ambedkarism is an ideology that is based on the writings and activism of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Ambedkarites believe in equality, liberty and fraternity as the core values of their creed. Ambedkarites also fight for the rights and dignity of the oppressed castes, especially the Dalits. Ambedkarism has influenced many political parties and organizations in India, such as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the Dalit Panthers and the All India Backward Classes Federation.
What is Political Theology and How to differ from Political Ideology?
Political theology refers to the study of the relationship between religion and politics, focusing on the role of religious beliefs, institutions, and doctrines in shaping political systems and decisions. It explores how religious ideas and concepts influence political thought and actions.
Political ideology, on the other hand, refers to a set of beliefs, values, and principles that guide political behavior and shape political goals and policies. It encompasses a broader range of political perspectives and ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and anarchism.
While political theology examines the influence of religion on politics, political ideology looks at broader systems of political beliefs and principles that may or may not have a religious foundation. Political theology specifically explores the intersection between religious ideas and political power, while political ideology encompasses a wider spectrum of political thought and theory.
Major Roles of Political Ideologies
Political ideologies serve the purpose of formulating a set of ideas to serve as the basis for political organization. Consequently, all political ideologies share three distinct characteristics:
- A pragmatic interpretation of the current state of society.
- An idealized vision of society, essentially outlining how society should ideally be structured.
- A strategic action plan detailing how to transform society from its current state to the envisioned ideal, addressing the needs and desires of all citizens. Essentially, a roadmap from the existing conditions to the desired state.
Relevance of Political Ideology for UPSC Aspirants
Political ideology is a crucial topic for UPSC aspirants, as it forms a part of the syllabus for both prelims and mains examinations. UPSC aspirants need to have a clear understanding of the various political ideologies in the world and in India, their features, differences, similarities and implications. UPSC aspirants also need to be aware of the current affairs and issues related to political ideology, such as elections, policies, movements, debates and controversies.
Political ideology is not only important for UPSC aspirants from an academic perspective, but also from a personal perspective. UPSC aspirants need to develop their own political ideology based on their values, beliefs and opinions. UPSC aspirants need to be able to articulate their political ideology in a coherent and logical manner. UPSC aspirants also need to be able to respect and appreciate other political ideologies that may differ from their own.
Political ideology is a fascinating and dynamic subject that can enrich one's knowledge and perspective on various aspects of life. Political ideology can also help one to become a better citizen and a better leader in the future.
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