1 - The concept of ideology and Western sociology

Summary

The great political and moral crisis that societies are now undergoing is shown by a rigid analysis to arise out of intellectual anarchy. Whilst stability in fundamental maxims is the first condition of genuine social order, we are suffering under an utter disagreement which may be called universal. Until a certain number of general ideas can be acknowledged as a rallying-point of social doctrine, nations will remain in a revolutionary state, whatever palliatives may be devised; and their institutions can be only provisional.

Auguste Comte, Cours de philosophie positive

A central element in Marx's theory of social formation is his structural model of society, said to consist of an economic base and a political and ideological superstructure. This model has inspired considerable research into economic relations, political systems, and their interdependence, both in capitalist societies and in those undergoing socialist transformation. Inexplicably, systematic research into the role of ideology, especially in socialist states, has lagged behind.

If we focus on ideology as the principal element in the base–superstructure model, we may follow a Marxist approach to determine the ideological importance of Marxism. If we conduct this analysis in a society attempting the construction of an advanced form of socialism, then we can suggest not only what the principal features of the dominant ideology are, but also what role this ideology itself plays in the process.