THE CONCEPT AND ROLE OF IDEOLOGY IN THE POLITICAL LIFE OF SOCIETY

Abstract

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon of political ideology as a key element of political life in society. It examines the evolution of the concept of «ideology» from its original scientific meaning to its modern understanding as a system of conceptually formulated political views, ideas and values. The main theoretical approaches to the study of ideology are analysed, in particular the Marxist concept, the axiological approach, psychoanalytic theory, the sociological concept, and theories of deideologisation and reideologisation. It is determined that political ideology is a hierarchically structured system of political values that forms the core of political culture and motivates political behaviour. The functions of political ideology are identified and studied: integrative (uniting society around common values), orientational (forming political consciousness), legitimising (justifying power), mobilising (encouraging collective action). The structure of ideology is analysed. Particular attention is paid to the relationship between ideology and political parties as the main carriers of ideological doctrines. It is argued that ideology forms the basis of party life and distinguishes parties from other social organisations. The role of ideology in shaping political consciousness, consolidating society and justifying political decisions, especially in times of crisis and during elections, is examined. The importance of ideological pluralism for the functioning of democracy is emphasised. The dangers of excessive ideologisation (the emergence of totalitarianism) and complete de-ideologisation (political apathy) are analysed. Contemporary trends in the functioning of ideology in the information society and the role of the mass media in the dissemination of ideological messages are examined. The methodological basis of the study is a systematic approach, which allowed us to consider political ideology as a holistic phenomenon in the context of its interaction with other elements of the political system. The historical method was used to analyse the evolution of the concept of «ideology» and the main theoretical concepts. The synthesis method allowed us to generalise the various theoretical developments of classical and contemporary researchers and formulate comprehensive conclusions.