What does the term 'ideology' refer to?

The term 'ideology' refers to a consistent set of beliefs, which encompass the values, principles, and ideas that guide an individual or group. Ideologies shape perspectives on various issues, including politics, economics, and social matters, forming the foundation for actions and behaviors within a society or movement.

In the context of social and political movements, ideologies can influence how people view the world and inform their responses to societal challenges. For example, in the discussion of apartheid, various ideologies influenced both the support for and the opposition against the system, reflecting underlying beliefs about justice, equality, and governance.

Proposed courses of action, formal policy statements, and educational strategies all may arise from a particular ideology, but they do not capture the core essence of what ideology represents. Ideology is broader and more foundational, serving as the guiding belief structure from which those specific actions or policies emerge.