The role of ideology in politics and society

Abstract

➤ British political parties nowadays often claim to be ‘non-ideological’ – are they right to do so? We attempt here to clarify ideas about ideology – what it is, how it is transmitted, how useful it is in making sense of society. We also examine its relevance to recent modern history both in Britain and in other parts of the world. Then we analyse the situation in contemporary Britain and consider whether it can be reasonably asserted that there is an ideological consensus in Britain or whether we are now ‘beyond ideology’. 7 The role of ideology in politics and society Chap 7 6/5/03 3:10 pm Page 135