Social Studies 30 Unit 1 Ideologies Slide Deck - PDF

Social Studies 30 Unit I Topic A: The Formation of Ideologies Slide Deck # 1 1  Social Studies ~ An Issue Based Course Social Studies is considered an issue-based discipline. This means that it begins i...

Social Studies 30 Unit I Topic A: The Formation of Ideologies Slide Deck # 1 1  Social Studies ~ An Issue Based Course Social Studies is considered an issue-based discipline. This means that it begins its study at the point where differences of opinion or interpretation emerge. Different perspectives are what make society rich and diverse. We should not necessarily think and believe the same things, however, we do need to be respectful of these diverse perspectives. It is essential that we carefully, thoughtfully, and respectfully listen to these differences and study the various ways to address these concerns. This involves, in part, developing the habit of mind that withholds judgement, remains open for more information, and strives for deeper understanding of the social creature we call “human”. Please, treat each other with respect and kindness. All opinions are welcome in this classroom; be sure to back it up with valid and reliable evidence. 2 INTRODUCTION TO IDEOLOGIES 3  What is Identity? Identity can be discussed in two ways: 1. Personal/Individual Identity : the idea that you have of yourself as a unique individual. 2. Collective Identity : the idea that you share with other people as a member of a larger social group, such as a linguistic, faith, cultural, or ethnic group. Your identity is influenced by a variety of different things such as: gender, religion, language, or culture. If a group of people have shared experiences, their identities may be influenced in a similar way by that shared experience. 4  Let’s Think & Share The world is changing at a rapid rate. When Mr. S was your age life seemed less well… I. Ask him about his school years and what shaped his collective and individual identity? II. List ways that social media has affected your individual and collective identity. Make a list in the space provided Please be prepared to share with the class. 5 6  Ideologies Ideology refers to how a society is organized to reflect the beliefs and values of people. Political scientists consider ideology to be a set of principles or ideas that explain our world and our place within it. An individual may choose a certain ideology because it mirrors certain beliefs and values about the world that a person already has. Once people consciously embrace an ideology, it may cause them to re-examine and reinterpret their own lives according to the principles of that ideology. Similarly, a group of people may choose to embrace an ideology that reflects its members shared beliefs and values. Understandings of identity vary from one society to another, even from one individual to another. Various factors, as indicated in the diagram below, may influence your identity, your beliefs and values, and therefore your ideology. 7 What factors do you think have the most influence on your identity? 8 ★ All the world’s political and economic systems are explained by ideology. ○ For example, China’s ideology is based on communism (defined by workers owning the means of production and citizens enjoy a classless society {in theory }. The opposite of capitalism. 9 China ➔ Officially: The People’s Republic of China ➔ Communist since 1949 ➔ Modern China: ◆ “Socialism with Chinese characteristics” ◆ The government owns the country’s biggest companies: banks, energy and transportation. ◆ A high degree of government intervention in the economy, which is why it cannot be classified as a market economy. ◆ The government owns all the land in the country. ◆ Private companies must follow state rules and align with government policies. 10 Ideology colours your perception of the world you live in, and it reflects your beliefs about human nature and society. Ideology also influences your beliefs about how society should be organized and governed. 11 Take a moment and think about your personal beliefs and values. For each of the following questions, determine how you feel most of the time , record your response in your booklet. Respond as follows: O = often S = sometimes R = rarely 12 1. I feel that most things run better if planned by a team of people rather than one person. 2. I feel that if you are not in it to win it, then you are not in it. 3. I feel that competition causes people to mistrust and fear one another. Cooperation is a much better way to achieve a goal. 13 4. I feel that people should take care of one another. We really are our fellows’ keepers. 5. You are a product of all the people you have met. 6. I am responsible for my own actions. 14 7. I think that the wealthy minority of society should share its wealth with those who do not have anything in order to fix some of society’s problems. 8. I feel that it is important to have rules in society with clear consequences. 15 9. I feel that society is only as strong as its weakest link. 10. I feel that life is about working hard and being successful. Once you reach your idea of success, you should give back to society. 16 11. The most important thing in the world is yourself. Even if other people disapprove of your actions, being yourself is worth it in the end. 12. I believe that what I earn should remain with me. I work hard for my money. Why should my earnings go to help others. 17 13. I believe in rules. It is important to know that rules exist for the good of everyone and we should obey them. 14. I dislike teamwork, there is always someone who slacks off and benefits from the hard work of others. 18 15. I decide things for myself. Nobody has the right to make decisions for me. 19  Let’s Think & Discuss What do you like about how Canada is organized and governed? Why? What do you dislike about how Canada is organized and governed? Why? If you were master of the universe, what “rules” would you have in place? Why? What is important to you as a person? 20 21  Assignment #1 Social 30 Unit One Assignment 1.1 We will discuss and go through some of the questions within this assignment as a class. 22 FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE BELIEFS & VALUES It is important to understand the difference between values, beliefs, attitudes, and opinions. Use this chart as a reminder. 23 It may be tempting to think that our belief system should be universal, that what we hold to be true is true not just for ourselves but for everyone. However, there are very few universal truths, particularly in a world that is becoming more polarized and diverse. The importance of knowing where your beliefs and values come from may not be immediately obvious. The simple fact that you have identified what your beliefs and values are may seem sufficient to guide your interactions with others. In this section, we will look more closely at some of the factors that influence the formation of beliefs and ideas. 24 FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE BELIEFS & VALUES 25  Family Influence Families are often the earliest influence on the personal beliefs and values of an individual. These beliefs and values are passed down through generations, with some changes as society changes. Families influence our views on: - Social justice - Social Interaction - Cultural beliefs and values 26  Gender The way people understand gender is affected by their experiences - personal, social, cultural - as well as their beliefs and values. How a society perceives gender, sometimes even legislating , what is “appropriate” gender expression, can also affect people’s view of gender and the freedom to express gender orientation. 27  Gender Gender roles play a role in our beliefs and values as well. Different cultures, for example, may assign specific gender roles to their members. These roles will be based on a variety of factors: Economic Political Religious Ideas about family Ideas about child security Gender and gender roles are powerful factors in determining identity. 28  Religion & Spirituality Religious belief and spirituality take many forms. They are not the same thing, although they may be interconnected. Each plays a role in shaping a person’s ideology. An individual may be a practicing or non-practicing member of a religious community. An individual may adhere to a spiritual tradition without belonging to an organized community. The world’s major religions teach ideas about tolerance, peace, acceptance, and respect. 29  Religion & Spirituality Provides people with a moral system than informs their actions as individuals. Provides a set of shared traditions and sense of community. Religion can also be the foundation of some political ideologies. In the 21st century, most governments are secular but support religious freedom. Spirituality is a more individual expression. There are various ways to express spirituality: Meditation Self-reflection prayer 30  Environment Human activities impact the environment. In recent decades, the impact of humans on the environment has become a global concern. Many modern ecological movements have their origins in social activism of the 1970s. Such as: Greenpeace. Founded in 1971 A Vancouver, BC based organization Focused on raising public awareness about issues such as nuclear weapon testing, overfishing, resource extraction, pollution, or deforestation. 31  Environment As more people realize the importance of the relationship between human activity and environmental impact, we are becoming more aware of our environmental footprint. This has also led to a movement referred to as “Green Politics” - the general ideology of particular political parties (ie. the Green Party in Canada) stress environmentalism, ecological protection, and sustainable economics. These ideologies approach political issues from an environmental perspective. 32  Relationship to Land Our worldview is connected to the relationship we have to the land. For example, a farmer will have a different worldview than someone who lives in NYC. How we connect with the land and our experiences with our environment determine some of our beliefs and values we hold that shape our identity. For example, you are growing up in an oil,gas and forestry town. Therefore, you should have a lot of respect for resource (primary) industries. You maybe spend your time outdoors sledding, fishing, hunting, hiking and/or backpacking, thus creating your 33 environmentalist perspectives.  Relationship to Land Think about your personal beliefs and values about the land: Are resources available to exploit? Should they be protected to ensure sustainability? What hobbies do you have that are land based? How does it make you feel when the land is abused or destroyed by others? How would Canada’s livelihood change if we, as a nation, exploited the land? If there were fewer regulations that protected the land and its resources? 34  Language & Ideology Our ideology is extremely impacted by language. Language is a primary means of communicating beliefs and values, worldview, cultural and societal understandings, and sense of self. If a language is considered a minority language in a nation, those individuals may be marginalized by lack of communication and understanding. This will impact their ideology and place in society. 35  Language & Ideology As well, language can be used as “cultural resistance”. If minority groups choose to promote their language over another, they are working to preserve their culture and identity - avoiding assimilation. This has occurred in Quebec through Bill 101. Language is an integral part of national identity. For example, Canada has two official languages to honour the British and French settlers of the 16-18th centuries. * It is important to note that there has been a resurgence of Indigenous languages in Canada and many of those languages are now being spoken in the Federal government. This is both for reconciliation purposes and honouring our Indigenous peoples. 36  Media The 21st century has seen a lot of innovation in terms of how we access information. We often believe that the “medium is the message” that the form of communication was more important than the content. However, this needs to change as we are faced with diverse media forms and outlets. How do you trust what you are hearing, reading or seeing? 37  Media In the late 20th century, media contributed to the creation of a “global village” through media transvergence. Now, we are seeing more polarization and division due to misinformation. Our ideology is extremely influenced by the media: Self image Political beliefs and values nationalism/patriotism Americanization Creation of a collective identity 38  Government Most government’s shape identity through legislation. What a government legislates dictates a collective ideology for the entire nation. In a country such as Canada, this is tricky due to our Federal system. Canada, for example, is a pluralist nation. Multiculturalism is part of the foundation of our national consciousness. Our constitution guarantees the rights of Francophones and Indigenous peoples, while affirming the rights of all citizens through the Charter of Rights & Freedoms. 39  Government Governments may choose to create a more inclusive society based on pluralism, accomodation, and other measures that promote the inclusion of all cultural groups. However, this may cause division in a nation if one group feels they are overlooked or marginalized due to historical events. The government has the difficult job of promoting an inclusive ideology that is supportive and recognizes the beliefs and values of the majority of the country. 40 41  So What?? If you embrace a particular ideology, it can have profound effects on your identity. It may influence your actions and choices. It may provide you with a particular perspective on the world. All ideologies contain a set of beliefs and values about similar things: ★ What are humans like, and why do they act as they do? ★ How should society be organized? ★ How has the world worked in the past? ★ Were ideologies different/same in the past? ★ How should it work in the future? 42  4 Characteristics of Ideologies Ideologies are grouped according to four characteristics: Interpretations of History Beliefs about Human Nature The structure of Society Visions of the Future 43  Interpretations of History History teaches us where we came from and why society is the way it is. In most cases, adults don’t make rules until we have learned from a past mistake. For example, Mrs. Keay provides a seating plan because in her first year of teaching there wasn’t one. And no one learned. Some people may have a difficult life and have a pessimistic view of society and consider the negative side of things before finding a positive. Countries also have ideological interpretations of their history. These views about the past will affect the identities of their citizens. Humans interpret history differently, but how we look at it helps us understand the present and future. 44  Interpretations of History Here are some common interpretations of history: - Fascism is bad. Why? Because millions of people died. Because it is based on racism. Because it involves a dictator. - Patriotism brings people together. How do we know? In Canada, we celebrate Canada Day across the country. It is a time when families get together, and communities celebrate our country. As well, in Canada we hold Remembrance Day Ceremonies to honor those who have fought for our country. Our loyalty and respect is shown through the Poppy Program. 45  Interpretations of History - Technology is good. How do we know? Since the 1600s, when the Steam Engine was created, human beings have been inventing and innovating products. Now we can communicate without talking! - Democracy is good. Why? Few people have died at the hands of an elected leader. People like to have a voice. More countries have become democracies in the 20th century. 46  Interpretations of History Basically, human beings learn from the past. If something doesn’t work – we fix it. What have we ‘fixed’ in the last century? 47  Beliefs About Human Nature Human beings try to figure out why humans are the way they are. We do this through science, philosophy, religion, comedy, music, art etc. Some ideologies are based on the idea that humans are good or bad. Many ideologies believe that change is not good, and that humans will not adapt to social conditions and the environment around them. 48  Beliefs About Human Nature When looking at the various viewpoints of what we believe about human nature, consider and discuss : The Purpose of Life: Why are humans on earth? To serve the community? To achieve individual fulfillment and accomplishment? 49  Beliefs About Human Nature When looking at the various viewpoints of what we believe about human nature, consider and discuss : The Role of Individuals in Society: How can we all work together to achieve the common good, but still achieve personal goals? 50  Beliefs About Human Nature When looking at the various viewpoints of what we believe about human nature, consider and discuss : Collectivism: The common good is more important than the individual. If the group isn’t able to function and thrive, then the individual will not be able to prosper. 51  Beliefs About Human Nature When looking at the various viewpoints of what we believe about human nature, consider and discuss : Individualism: the individual is more important than the common good – if we are happy, then we will do more to help those who need it. 52  Beliefs About Human Nature When looking at the various viewpoints of what we believe about human nature, consider and discuss : The Role of government in Society: What are the responsibilities of the government? How much should the government be limited? How much should the government be involved in our lives? 53  The Structure of Society Social structures are what bind us together as a society and help society to function in an orderly fashion. The social structures of any society reflect the beliefs and values of that society. There are formal social structures, for example, economic based social structures and informal social structures; those unwritten rules of acceptable social behavior and actions. 54 55  Let’s Think & Discuss ➔ What are the formal social structures of Canadian society? ➔ What are the informal social structures of Canadian society? ➔ What changes need to occur in Canadian society to move it forward? ➔ Have our Canadian social structures changed? 56 Have our Social Structures Changed? 57 Most societies try to figure out how people will get along: - Through goodwill and peace - Understanding and tolerance - Economic balance and values - Social norms - Social contracts 58 * How can we work together to live in a society of peace, calm and tolerance? 59  Visions of the Future Most ideologies search for a way to secure a strong stable future. The developers (philosophers) of the ideology will have a vision of what is the perfect society. This is constantly changing in today’s world because of: - Abuse of power by leaders - Economic difficulty or strength - War & conflict 60  Themes of Ideologies The formation of ideology involves new ideas and ways of thinking. All ideologies have been created by people wanting more from their government and/or society. Most ideologies are concerned with the themes listed below. In some cases, some themes may predominate in an ideology. For example, Marxists concentrate heavily on the theme of class, whereas, capitalists emphasize the theme of freedom. 61 The table below displays important themes of ideologies and examples of each of them: (This can also be found on page 51 of your textbook) 62  Themes of Ideologies Progressivism is an umbrella term for various ideologies that advocate moderate political and social reform through government action, such as using anti-trust laws to prevent corporations from establishing monopolies in the marketplace. Progressive ideologies generally support social justice and the rights of workers. 63 64 Complete Now: 1. Unit 1 Assignment 1.1: “How to be a Good Wife” 1950s Ideology 2. Article Analysis: John Mills Article 3. Prepare for your Quiz on this material (review posted) 4. Read Chapter 1 of your Textbook: Perspectives on Ideologies 65