Structure for an ideology essay-
- Intro: There are some agreements on…. Between…. and….. / However, there are tensions between the strands on…./
then make a judgement
- P1: Agreements. There are broad areas of agreement with regards to…./ (Discuss one side and include reference to
thinker with quote)/ …. broadly agree on this too/ (Discuss one side and include reference to thinker with quote).
Evaluate at the end.
- P2 and P3: Disagreements. Include two sides with at least one key thinker per paragraph and quote. Evaluate at the end
of each paragraph.
- Conclusion: It is clear to see that there are broad areas of agreement and disagreement between ... and …. / All strands
believe in….. / yet there are tensions between strands over… / While there are many disagreements, the fact that all
strands show an importance for….. Is greater than that which divides them.
Remember to show similarities/ difference WITHIN strands as well as between them
Human Nature The State Society The economy
What all strands agree on Humans are naturally The role of the state in The idea of equality/ equity Complete laissez faire
cooperative and prefer to having a societal influence: and bringing power to economics should be
work together. providing a welfare state, workers avoided, and there should
ensuring workers rights are be some help from the
protected and there is state in using the economy
some form of equality/ to benefit the people:
equity progressive taxation.
, Human Nature
Agree – Positive view and human plasticity
Tension – Impact of capitalism on human nature
Tension – How to achieve potential of human nature (eg how to achieve equality/collectivism)
The state
Agree – A strong state is vital for socialism
Tension – What should the role of the state look like?
Tension – Is socialism possible within the capitalist state?
The economy
Agree – The economy is vital for creating a fairer society
Tension – What is the role of the economy? Are socialism and capitalism compatible?
Tension – How can we change how the economy operates? eg revolution, gradual, state ‘withers away’ etc
Society
Agree – The impact of society on the individual
Tension – Is revolution the best way to improve society?
Tension – Is class conflict still relevant to society today?