Ideological Stance

My idea reflects components of many of the common Political, Economic and Societal Ideologies1 and Systems.2

I have highlighted these commonalities in green in the explanations below.

It is interesting to note that a brief perusal of the following suggests that rather than living in the democracy we believe and are led to believe, we appear to be living under authoritarian/totalitarian, monarch/theocracy/oligarchy. I’ve highlighted the points that lead me to this conclusion in orange.

The borders between ideologies and systems are somewhat vague at times.

Societal

Societal Ideologies

A societal ideology is a set of beliefs, values, and principles that shape how a society functions and how individuals within that society interact with each other. It encompasses ideas about social organization, justice, morality, and the role of institutions such as family, government, and community as well as how money, resources, and social effects should be managed.

Societal ideologies encompass both political and economic ideologies and systems but also include broader beliefs about how society should function, including cultural and social aspects.

Societal Systems

A societal system refers to the overall structure and organization of a society, including its institutions, norms, values, and practices. It encompasses various aspects of social life, such as governance, economy, culture, education, and healthcare. A societal system shapes how individuals interact with one another and how resources are distributed and utilized within a community.

Political

Political Ideologies

What is a political ideology?

A political ideology is basically a set of beliefs, ideas, or principles about how a society should be organized and governed. It’s like a roadmap for how people think things should work in politics and society. Different ideologies have different views on things like government’s role, individual rights, and economic systems. They focus on governing systems, power structures, and policies within a society.

Examples of political ideologies are:

These are just a few examples, and there are many more nuanced ideologies within each category.

Liberalism is a political and moral philosophy that emphasizes individual rights, equality, and freedom. It typically supports government intervention to promote social justice and equal opportunity. Liberalism is basically about giving people the freedom to live their lives how they want, as long as they don’t harm others. It’s also about promoting fairness and equal opportunities for everyone.

Conservatism is a political ideology that values tradition, stability, and gradual change rather than rapid societal transformation. It emphasizes personal responsibility, limited government intervention, and often favors preserving traditional social structures and values.

Socialism is an economic and political system where the government or community as a whole owns and controls the means of production, such as factories, land, and resources. The goal is to promote equality and distribute wealth and resources more evenly among the population.

Communism is a socio-economic ideology that advocates for the collective ownership of resources and the means of production. It aims for a classless society where everyone contributes according to their abilities and receives according to their needs.

Fascism is a totalitarian political ideology characterized by dictatorial power, extreme nationalism, suppression of opposition, and strong control over society and the economy. It often promotes authoritarian leadership, militarism, and the glorification of the state.

Anarchism is a political philosophy that advocates for the abolition of all forms of hierarchical authority, including government, in favor of voluntary cooperation and organization among individuals and communities. It seeks to create a society based on principles of liberty, equality, and mutual aid.

Libertarianism is a political philosophy that prioritizes individual liberty and limited government intervention in both economic and social matters. It advocates for minimal state involvement, free markets, and personal freedom, while emphasizing individual rights and voluntary association.

Environmentalism is a movement and ideology focused on protecting and preserving the natural world, including ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources. It promotes sustainable practices, conservation efforts, and environmental policies aimed at mitigating pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change.

Political Systems

Political systems vary with respect to how power is distributed, who holds authority, and the extent of individual rights and freedoms within a society.

Examples of political systems include:

Democracy is a system of government where power is vested in the people, either directly or through elected representatives. In a democracy, citizens have the right to participate in decision-making processes*, such as voting in elections, forming political parties, and expressing their opinions freely. The rule of law, protection of individual rights, and separation of powers are typically fundamental principles of democratic societies.*the right and the responsibility

Authoritarianism is a form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a single leader or a small group, and there’s limited political freedom and individual rights. It’s characterized by strong central control and little to no tolerance for dissent or opposition.*see this article about the government labelling dissenters as extremists

Totalitarianism is a type of authoritarianism where the government has complete control over all aspects of public and private life. It seeks to control every aspect of society, including politics, the economy, culture, and even personal beliefs and behaviors. It’s often associated with oppressive regimes that use propaganda, censorship, and surveillance to maintain power.

Monarchy is a form of government where a single person, usually a king or queen, holds supreme authority and power. This authority is often inherited, passing from one generation to the next within a ruling family. Monarchies can vary in their level of power, with some being constitutional monarchies where the monarch’s powers are limited by a constitution and others being absolute monarchies where the monarch has almost unlimited power.

See more about Monarchy in the UK here.

A theocracy is a form of government where religious leaders or institutions hold the ultimate authority, and religious laws or principles guide political decision-making. In a theocracy, the government and religious institutions are often closely intertwined, and religious leaders may hold significant political power. The laws and policies of the state are typically based on religious beliefs and teachings. Are you aware of the Lords Spiritual?

Oligarchy is a form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a small, privileged group or elite. This group could be based on wealth, family connections, military control, or other factors. In an oligarchy, the ruling class often makes decisions that benefit themselves rather than the broader population, and there’s limited political participation by the general public.

Economic

What is an economic ideology?

An economic ideology is a set of beliefs and principles that govern how economic systems should be structured and operated. It encompasses ideas about the role of government in the economy, the distribution of resources, the regulation of markets, and the rights and responsibilities of individuals and businesses.

Examples include:

Economic capitalism is an economic system where private individuals and businesses own and control the means of production and distribution of goods and services. It’s characterized by free market competition, where prices are determined by supply and demand rather than by government intervention. In capitalism, individuals are free to pursue their own economic interests, and the profit motive drives business decisions.

Economic socialism is an economic system where the means of production, distribution, and exchange are owned or regulated by the community as a whole, typically through the government or cooperative organizations. In socialism, the goal is to prioritize social welfare and reduce economic inequality by ensuring that resources are distributed more equally among the population. This often involves central planning of the economy and government control over key industries, with the aim of meeting the needs of all citizens rather than maximizing profits for private individuals or corporations.

Economic communism is a theoretical socioeconomic system where the means of production are owned and controlled by the community or the state, and goods and services are distributed according to need. In communism, there is no private property, and the goal is to achieve a classless society where everyone contributes according to their abilities and receives according to their needs. Production and distribution are planned centrally by the state or by collective decision-making processes. However, in practice, historical attempts to implement communism have often resulted in authoritarian regimes and economic inefficiencies.

Economic Keynesianism is an economic theory named after the economist John Maynard Keynes. It advocates for government intervention in the economy to stabilize output and employment levels. Keynesian economics suggests that during economic downturns, the government should increase spending and/or decrease taxes to stimulate demand and boost economic activity. Conversely, during periods of high inflation or economic growth, the government should reduce spending and/or increase taxes to cool down the economy. The goal is to achieve full employment and stable prices through government policy interventions.

Neoliberalism is an economic and political ideology that emphasizes free-market capitalism, deregulation, privatization, and reduced government intervention in the economy. It advocates for minimizing government involvement in economic affairs and promoting competition and individual choice. Neoliberalism emerged in the late 20th century as a response to perceived inefficiencies of government intervention and state control in the economy. It prioritizes the role of the private sector and aims to promote economic growth and efficiency through market mechanisms.

Economic distributism is an economic theory that emphasizes the widespread distribution of property and wealth among the population. It advocates for a more decentralized economic system where ownership of property, businesses, and resources is spread out among a larger number of people, rather than being concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy individuals or corporations. Distributism aims to create a more equitable society by promoting small-scale ownership, cooperatives, and local production. It values economic decentralization, community self-sufficiency, and solidarity among individuals and communities.

Economic mutualism is an economic theory that advocates for cooperative ownership and mutual aid among individuals and businesses. It emphasizes voluntary associations and mutual agreements for economic exchange, rather than hierarchical relationships. In a mutualist economy, individuals and groups would cooperate and support each other through mutual aid societies, cooperatives, and other forms of collective ownership. The goal is to create a more equitable and democratic economic system that prioritizes the well-being of all members of society.

Anarcho-capitalism is a political philosophy that advocates for the elimination of the state and the establishment of a society based on voluntary interactions and free-market capitalism. In anarcho-capitalism, individuals would be free to engage in voluntary exchanges and contracts without government interference. Private property rights and free-market competition would be the primary means of organizing society and resolving disputes. Proponents believe that without government intervention, markets would efficiently allocate resources and promote individual freedom.

Eco-socialism is a political and economic philosophy that combines elements of socialism and environmentalism. It emphasizes the need for social ownership and democratic control of the means of production, as well as ecological sustainability and protection of the environment. Eco-socialists argue that capitalism inherently prioritizes profit over environmental concerns, leading to ecological degradation and social inequality. They advocate for a transition to a more sustainable economic system that values both people and the planet, often through measures such as public ownership of natural resources, renewable energy development, and community-based initiatives.

Consumerism is a societal and economic ideology that emphasizes the acquisition and consumption of goods and services as a primary driver of economic activity and personal fulfillment. It often involves the encouragement of spending and consumption, sometimes beyond what is necessary or sustainable. Consumerism is focused on stimulating economic growth by encouraging people to buy goods and services, which in turn boosts production and creates jobs.

Economic Systems

Economic systems provide practical applications for the values and beliefts represented by economic ideologies.

The most common systems are capitalist, socialist and communist as described under ideologies. Here are some further examples of economic systems:

A mixed economic system* is an economic system that combines elements of both capitalism and socialism. In a mixed economy, there’s a mix of privately owned businesses and government involvement in the economy. While individuals and businesses are free to operate in the market, the government also plays a role in regulating certain industries, providing public goods and services, and redistributing wealth through taxation and social programs. The goal is to harness the advantages of both capitalism and socialism, aiming for economic efficiency, social welfare, and a balance between individual freedom and collective responsibility. *a different economic system could be implemented to address “wants” versus the system designed to address the primary and secondary needs of the population.

A market economic system, also known as a free-market economy, is an economic system where the production and distribution of goods and services are primarily determined by supply and demand in the marketplace. In a market economy, individuals and businesses have the freedom to produce, buy, and sell goods and services based on their own self-interest*. Prices are set by the interactions of buyers and sellers in the market, and competition among producers helps to allocate resources efficiently. While government may play a role in regulating markets and providing certain public goods, the overall economy operates largely through voluntary exchanges and without central planning.*again, this would apply to “wants” not needs.

In a command economy, also known as a planned economy, the* government or central authority makes most of the economic decisions, including what goods and services are produced, how they are produced, and for whom they are produced. This contrasts with a market economy where these decisions are primarily made by individuals and businesses in the marketplace. In a command economy, central planning is used to allocate resources and coordinate economic activities according to government priorities and goals.*insert geographically defined community (GDC) here

A traditional economy is an economic system where customs, traditions, and cultural norms dictate how goods and services are produced, distributed, and consumed. In a traditional economy, economic activities are often based on subsistence farming, hunting, gathering, or other traditional practices passed down through generations.* This type of economy tends to be relatively simple and is often found in rural or remote areas where modern industrialization and technology have had little influence.*these would be the skills and knowledge required to feed, clothe and house oneself

A gift economy is a socioeconomic system where goods and services are given freely, without an explicit agreement for immediate or future rewards. In a gift economy, individuals give and receive goods and services based on social relationships, reciprocity, and trust rather than through monetary transactions. This system relies on principles of generosity, sharing, and community cooperation. Gift economies are often found in small-scale, close-knit communities where social bonds are strong, and individuals prioritize the well-being of the group over individual gain.*this would be a lovely outcome of working together in GDCs

A barter economy is a system of exchange where goods and services are traded directly for other goods and services without the use of money. In a barter economy, individuals or businesses exchange items they have for items they need, based on mutual agreement and negotiation. For example, someone might trade a basket of apples for a sack of potatoes with another person. Barter economies were common in early human societies before the invention of money, and they still exist in some situations today, especially in areas where monetary systems are less developed or accessible.*we don’t need money to fulfil our basic needs, money can be used for “wants”

  1. An ideology is a set of beliefs, values, and principles that guide and shape the actions and behaviors of individuals or groups. It often serves as a framework for understanding the world and influencing social, political, and economic systems. ↩︎
  2. A system is a set of interconnected or interdependent elements that work together to achieve a common purpose or function. It can be physical, such as a mechanical system, or abstract, such as a societal or economic system. Systems can range from simple to complex, and they often involve processes, relationships, and feedback mechanisms. ↩︎

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