1. IDEOLOGY & BELIEF
SYSTEMS
Beliefs in society – A-Level Sociology
Abstract
This topic includes an analysis of the concept of ‘ideology’ and how it relates to a range of
theoretical perspective. It then discusses religion and science as belief systems.
, Topic one – Ideology and belief systems
Introduction
The Beliefs in Society module mainly focuses on ‘Belief systems’ that shape the way that people see the world.
Consequently, this module is dominated by religion as a social institution, however it still has a wider focus on other
institutions such as Science and Politics along with others.
Topic one is a straight forward introduction to the module by looking at the subtle differences between the phrases
‘Ideology’ and ‘Belief system’. It then specifically analyses Science and Religion as belief systems.
Disclaimer – The beliefs in society module is unique as many of the topics overlap each other. To truly understand every element
of this topic, you need to wait until the whole module has been taught as there will be several references to other topics within
this guide. This may seem frustrating at first however, on the plus side, there is not much content in this module so once you
understand the core ideas, the rest should fall into place.
What is the difference between an Ideology and a belief system?
An Ideology is a set of beliefs and values that usually revolve around a core principle, which is essentially the same as
a belief system. However, the term Ideology tends to be more of a negative term used by sociologists to view a belief
system in a critical way. They tend to do this by focussing on some of the following:
1. They suggest that the ideology presents a biased (subjective) view that only benefits a certain social group of
powerful people
2. They suggest the ideology is factually incorrect but distorts the ‘truth’ to influence the behavior of its
followers.
3. They suggest that the Ideology is a self-sustaining belief system that prevents change but is closed to
criticism
Essentially, an ideology and a belief system are the same thing. It just depends on the way that a sociologist views it.
If they have a neutral view of the worldview, it is more likely to be described as a belief system, whereas if a
sociologist is critical of the worldview, it is often seen as an Ideology. Ideologies/belief systems can be large and
therefore cover the whole of society or could be specific to just one institution.
An example of Ideology – Political case study (will be useful later in the module)
The field of politics has a range of different ideologies/belief systems that operate within it (similar to other
institutions and areas of study). An example of political ideology is Nationalism. Nationalism is often the belief that:
1. Nations (Countries) are unique and are therefore different to each other
2. Every nation should have sovereignty (it should govern itself without interference from other countries)
3. Loyalty to one’s state should be prioritised over other elements of identity, such as social class, ethnicity or
religion
To some, Nationalism is a belief system as it binds citizens together to create a strong sense of belonging and social
solidarity. To others, Nationalism is an Ideology that fools the global population that they are divided and therefore
see each other as enemies, rather than uniting against the powerful. From your sociological knowledge so far, you
should be able to figure out which theories apply to the statements within this paragraph.
Theoretical views of ideology (General views)
Generally speaking, Marxists, Feminists and Postmodernists use the phrase Ideology within their own worldviews.
Remember, by using the phrase Ideology, these theories will have a negative view of the way that society operates.
1
SYSTEMS
Beliefs in society – A-Level Sociology
Abstract
This topic includes an analysis of the concept of ‘ideology’ and how it relates to a range of
theoretical perspective. It then discusses religion and science as belief systems.
, Topic one – Ideology and belief systems
Introduction
The Beliefs in Society module mainly focuses on ‘Belief systems’ that shape the way that people see the world.
Consequently, this module is dominated by religion as a social institution, however it still has a wider focus on other
institutions such as Science and Politics along with others.
Topic one is a straight forward introduction to the module by looking at the subtle differences between the phrases
‘Ideology’ and ‘Belief system’. It then specifically analyses Science and Religion as belief systems.
Disclaimer – The beliefs in society module is unique as many of the topics overlap each other. To truly understand every element
of this topic, you need to wait until the whole module has been taught as there will be several references to other topics within
this guide. This may seem frustrating at first however, on the plus side, there is not much content in this module so once you
understand the core ideas, the rest should fall into place.
What is the difference between an Ideology and a belief system?
An Ideology is a set of beliefs and values that usually revolve around a core principle, which is essentially the same as
a belief system. However, the term Ideology tends to be more of a negative term used by sociologists to view a belief
system in a critical way. They tend to do this by focussing on some of the following:
1. They suggest that the ideology presents a biased (subjective) view that only benefits a certain social group of
powerful people
2. They suggest the ideology is factually incorrect but distorts the ‘truth’ to influence the behavior of its
followers.
3. They suggest that the Ideology is a self-sustaining belief system that prevents change but is closed to
criticism
Essentially, an ideology and a belief system are the same thing. It just depends on the way that a sociologist views it.
If they have a neutral view of the worldview, it is more likely to be described as a belief system, whereas if a
sociologist is critical of the worldview, it is often seen as an Ideology. Ideologies/belief systems can be large and
therefore cover the whole of society or could be specific to just one institution.
An example of Ideology – Political case study (will be useful later in the module)
The field of politics has a range of different ideologies/belief systems that operate within it (similar to other
institutions and areas of study). An example of political ideology is Nationalism. Nationalism is often the belief that:
1. Nations (Countries) are unique and are therefore different to each other
2. Every nation should have sovereignty (it should govern itself without interference from other countries)
3. Loyalty to one’s state should be prioritised over other elements of identity, such as social class, ethnicity or
religion
To some, Nationalism is a belief system as it binds citizens together to create a strong sense of belonging and social
solidarity. To others, Nationalism is an Ideology that fools the global population that they are divided and therefore
see each other as enemies, rather than uniting against the powerful. From your sociological knowledge so far, you
should be able to figure out which theories apply to the statements within this paragraph.
Theoretical views of ideology (General views)
Generally speaking, Marxists, Feminists and Postmodernists use the phrase Ideology within their own worldviews.
Remember, by using the phrase Ideology, these theories will have a negative view of the way that society operates.
1
