VO6 Ideologiekonzeptionen I: Marx und Gramsci

VO6 Ideologiekonzeptionen I (Marx und Gramsci)

• Begriffsverwendungen: Social scientific concepts are contested, related to opposing societal interests. Concept meaning depends on the theory/problem in which it is used. The meaning of "ideology" must be justified.

• Ideologie I: Ideologies can be understood epistemologically (true or false).

  • FALSCH: Statements/systems that distort, simplify, and naturalize social processes/structures.
  • (kann/muss nicht): Reflect/legitimize dominant interests (though not necessarily intentionally).

• Ideologie II: Dominant ideologies (usually) justify power structures, functionally stabilizing them. This differs from epistemological/sociological views.

  • Note: Epistemological analyses critique ideologies for distortion/bias, while sociological analyses study their cultural and social impact.

• Wichtigkeit von Ideologietheorien: Critiques and analyses of ideologies must consider their connection to power and control. Merely declaring something true/false, is insufficient. Uncovering the root causes is necessary.

• Ideologie III: Ideologies are embodied in practices, rituals, customs, lifestyles, and institutions. They are tied to emotions. They are not just abstract thoughts.

• "Sachzwang" als Ideologie: Some ideologies present themselves as objective and unavoidable, concealing their ideologically based nature.

• Beginn der Ideologiekritik in der Aufklärung: Linked to the desire for social change and greater individual agency. Critiques of blind faith and authority.

• Karl Marx: Developed a sociological concept of ideology, focusing on economic structures as influencing factors.

• Feuerbach & Marx: Marx initially drew upon Feuerbach's critique of religious alienation, though later moved beyond this to a specific approach for understanding ideologies in the context of economics.

• Der Junge Marx: Focuses on alienation and distorted consciousness resulting from private property and its effects on individuals.

• Spätere Kritik von Marx: Ideologies are rooted in unequal power structures, therefore mere changes in how people view these structures can't fundamentally change them.

• Marx/Engels: Ideologies are intrinsically linked with material production and class relations, reflecting and supporting prevailing power structures. Note: Contradictory opinions on the specifics of how ideology operates exist in Marx's writings.

Marx/Engels Thesen

• Gedanken der herrschenden Klasse: The ruling class determines the dominant ideas in society.