Ideological Criticism (Chapter 7)

Ideological Criticism (Chapter 7)
1) What is an ideology?
According to Sonja Foss, an ideology is a “mental framework” that suggests certain “beliefs, values, and assumptions.” Basically, it is a system of beliefs that tells the world how the holder of a particular ideology is liable to think about, or “interpret,” the different components of life.
2) What are the primary components of an ideology?
The primary components of an ideology are evaluative beliefs. In a nutshell, evaluative beliefs are ideas that can take on new meanings when viewed from a different angle. An example of this would be monogamy vs. polygamy: both practices center around matrimony, but some cultures believe in single partners, while others believe in taking many partners (at the same time). Both sides of the spectrum believe that they are right; it’s a matter of one idea interpreted in two different ways.