Module 3

Lesson 1: Political Ideologies

Lesson 2: Socialism, Communism,

Capitalism, Liberalism
and Neoliberalism
Lesson 1:
Political
Ideologies
 This module was designed and written to enrich you with the dif-
ferent political ideologies. It will help you understand and analyze the
political ideologies that influences a country’s political system and an
individual stand regarding politics and governance.
The political ideologies covered by this module are: Anarchism,
Fascism, Conservatism, Reactionism, Social Democracy, Socialism,
Communism, Capitalism, Liberalism, and Neoliberalism. The discus-
sions are focused on the definition, goals, and methods of ten political
ideologies.

At the end of this module, you are able to:

• Give your own definition of political ideologies; and

• Differentiate political ideologies in terms of goals and methods

In doing this module, please

follow these reminders…
1. Take the pretest before
working or answering the
module.
2. Perform the activities as
suggested.
3. Answer all the exercises.
4. Check your answers
against the Key to Correc-
tion.
5. Take the Post Test.
Direction: Read each statement below and put a checkmark if you agree or disagree on the column pro-
vided. Write your answer on this module.

Statements I Agree I Disagree

Example:
Political ideology is about ideas of political arrangements and pro- ✓
cesses of government.
1. Political ideology refers to political activities, policies,
and events.
2. Political spectrum speaks of left and right wings of political
ideologies.
3. Liberalism is a political ideology that protects individual
rights.
4. Social democracy ideology aims for the common good
of the people.
5. Anarchism believes that people have no moral duty
to obey any governing body.
6. Fascism promotes a dictatorial leadership.
7. Conservatism and Fascism ideologies are examples
of the left wing of political spectrum.
8. Anarchism means no laws obeyed.
9. The right wing of the political spectrum often nationalistic
and ethnic-centered.
10. Conservatism ideology used nationalistic and religious
approach to political views.
11. Reactionism philosophy favors extreme conservatism
in governance.
12. Neoliberalism ideology is based on laissez-faire economic
approach.
13. Capitalism stands on a belief that productions and distribution
of goods and services are mange by private sectors.
14. Communism is an ideology that holds on collective ownership.
15. Liberalism and conservatism influenced the political system
of the Philippines.

.
 For you to have a better understanding of the lesson presented
in this module, you should be familiar with the following terms:

IDEOLOGY – refers to a set of beliefs and ideas that shape an individual’s or a

group’s views, actions, and interactions with the world.
POLITICAL IDEOLOGY – is a set of beliefs and ideas that define political activ-
ities,
policies, and events.
ANARCHISM – society without government, laws, police or other authority
(Sadera et al. 2018, 13).
FASCISM – it is an authoritarian or totalitarian nationalist political ideology
(Sadera et al. 2018, 16).
CONSERVATISM – governmental system where the existing constitution are
maintained, emphasizing free-enterprise and minimal governmental
intervention (Sadera et al. 2018, 14).
REACTIONISM – is an ideology that return to the “old ways” (Joven 2017, 53).
SOCIAL DEMOCRACY - this ideology seeks to implement socialist reforms in
society within the framework of a democratic government and capitalist econo-
my (Joven 2017, 52).
SOCIALISM – envision the establishment of a state characterized by public
ownership of resources and the means of production (Joven 2017, 52).
COMMUNISM – collective ownership and a planned economy (Sadera et al.
2018, 14).
CAPITALISM – is often thought of as an economic system in which private ac-
tors own and control property in accord with their interests, and demand and
supply freely set prices in markets in a way that can serve the best interests of
society (Sarwat Jahan and Ahmed Saber Mahmud 2015, Vol 52, No. 2)
LIBERALISM – this ideology considers economic and social inequality as un-
desirable and seeks to establish a society that provides opportunities for
growth to all individuals (Joven 2017, 51).
NEOLIBERALISM – is based on laissez-faire economics which upholds free mar-
kets and trade liberalization (Joven 2017, 52).
WHAT’S IN
Directions: Try this by arranging the jumbled letters. Then, create sentences to show its connection.

You will write your answer in your notebook.

Jumbled Letter Words

1. TICSLIPO 2. VERNGOCEAN 3. TENNMOREGV
________ __________ __________

1.

2.

3.

What do you think is the connection of these words to political ideology?

 The Concept
of Political
Ideology

Ideology refers to a set of beliefs and ideas that shape an individual’s

or a group’s views, actions, and interactions with the world.
Political ideology, on the other hand, is a set of beliefs and ideas
that define political activities, policies, and events.
A political ideology is comprised of related and supporting ideas that
advance a certain idea of what society and government is or what it
should be. It emphasizes certain values, principles, and ideals which
distinguish it from other political ideologies. For example, liberalism
emphasizes individual freedom while fascism gives primary im-
portance to the state over individual (Joven 2017, 48 - 49).
Political ideologies have two dimensions: Goals: how society should be
organized and Methods: the most appropriate way to achieve this
goal. The concurrence of the two is essential to achieve the legitimate
interest in the society (Sadera et al. 2018, 13).
The Different Political Ideologies
Anarchism. Society without government, laws, police or other authority. System of self-control. It is a political ideol-
ogy that advocates self-governed societies based on voluntary institutions. These are often described as stateless
societies, although several authors have defined them more specifically as institutions based on non-hierarchical
free associations. Anarchism holds the state to be undesirable, unnecessary, and harmful (Sadera et al. 2018, 13).
Opposing it is the means to achieve the goal.
Fascism. It is an authoritarian or totalitarian nationalist political ideology. Fascist seek to organize a nation according
to corporatist perspectives, values, and systems, including the political system and the economy. Extreme right-wing
ideology where the existing social order is protected by the forcible suppression of the working class. They believe
that a nation is an organic community that requires strong leadership, singular collective identity, and the will and
ability to commit violence and wage war in order to keep the nation strong and achieve the goal.
Conservatism. Governmental system where the existing constitution are maintained, emphasizing free-enterprise
and minimal governmental intervention. It emphasized a ‘natural order’ based on tradition and slow evolutionary
change (Sadera et al. 2018, 14 -16). It seek to preserve a range of institutions such as religion, parliamentary govern-
ment, and property rights, with the aim of emphasizing social stability and continuity [in opposition to the rapid
societal change] (en.wikipedia.org 2020).
Reactionism. This ideology is a variation of conservatism. While conservatism seeks to maintain the status quo,
reactionism advocates a return to the “old ways”. Reactionaries seek to overturn the present state of society as
flawed and looks to the past which they consider as a more orderly and better time. Society, therefore, should
change in a way that traditional practices and previous state policies are revived.
Social Democracy. This ideology seeks to implement socialist reforms in society within the framework of a demo-
cratic government and capitalist economy. Social democrats advocate government regulation of the economy, in-
come distribution, and the promotion of social welfare. Social democracy envisions the establishment of a socialist
state through legal, non-violent means.
Socialism. Envision the establishment of a state characterized by public ownership of resources and the means of
production. Production is done not for profit, but to meet the basic needs. There is democratic control over the use of
resources and the production of goods and services are done in a cooperative manner. The government ensures
that all citizens have free access to goods and services (Joven 2017, 52-53). And the manner of achieving the goal is
through social revolution.
Communism. Collective ownership and a planned economy. Each should work to their capability and receive accord-
ing to their needs. Communism is the result of the process by which workers, the proletariat, overthrow their capi-
talist and burgeois masters and take control of the means of production. The producers become the owners of their
production (Sadera et al. 2018, 14).
Capitalism. Is often thought of as an economic system in which private actors own and control property in accord
with their interests, and demand and supply freely set prices in markets in a way that can serve the best interests of
society. The essential feature of capitalism is the motive to make a profit (Sarwat Jahan and Ahmed Saber Mahmud
2015, Vol 52, No. 2).
Liberalism. This ideology considers economic and social inequality as undesirable and seeks to establish a society
that provides opportunities for growth to all individuals. Public policy, therefore, must be oriented toward elimi-
nating discrimination and barriers to growth and development. All citizen must have access to essential services
such as health care, education, and social security. Liberalism advocated the abolition of government intervention
in economic matters.
Neoliberalism. Is based on laissez-faire economics which upholds free markets and trade liberalization. Neoliberals
believe that economic growth is key to human progress, and that the government must not intervene in the activi-
ties of markets and capitalist (Joven 2017, 51-53).
.
 Lesson 2:
Socialism, Communism,
Capitalism, Liberalism
and Neoliberalism
 This module delves in the study of political ideologies which involve the
nature, role, and significance of political ideas in understanding the vari-
ous political phenomenon.

The module is intended to discuss Socialism, Communism, Capitalism,

Liberalism and Neoliberalism as political ideologies.

At the end of this module, you are able to:

• Define socialism, communism, capitalism, liberalism and neoliberalism.

• Differentiate the five political ideologies in terms of economic and po-

litical impact and significance to one’s life.

In doing this module, please

follow these reminders…
1. Take the pretest before
working or answering the
module.
2. Perform the activities as
suggested.
3. Answer all the exercises.
4. Check your answers
against the Key to Correc-
tion.
5. Take the Post Test.
.
 For you to have a better understanding of the lesson presented
in this module, you should be familiar with the following terms:
Socialism, Communism,
Capitalism, Liberalism,
and
Neoliberalism

What is Socialism
Left-wing political system where the principle means of production, distri-
bution and exchange are in common ownership. In its early forms, socialism
was a reaction against the stark inequality and misery produced by the Indus-
trial Revolution and emerging capitalist economies, where those with property
had political voice but those without were open to exploitation and oppression.
Socialism is concerned with welfare of the people, and as such is concerned
with providing health care and education and the provision of other necessities
of a healthy life in order to create a more ‘level’ society.
Socialist ideals include production for use, rather than for profit; an equi-
table distribution of wealth and material resources among all people; no more
competitive buying and selling in the market; and free access to goods and ser-
vices. Or, as an old socialist slogan describes it, “from each according to ability,
to each according to need.” In a socialist economy, public officials control produc-
ers, consumers, savers, borrowers, and investors by taking over and regulating
trade, the flow of capital and other resources. In a free-market economy, trade is
conducted on a voluntary, or non-regulated, basis. Unlike communism, one of
the corner stones of socialism is to have the state own all capital and natural
resources within its sovereign territory. This means that the people being repre-
sented by the government will control everything and thus social classes would
be greatly undermined or eliminated together.
What is Socialism?
Left-wing political system where the principle means of production, distri-
bution and exchange are in common ownership. In its early forms, socialism
was a reaction against the stark inequality and misery produced by the Indus-
trial Revolution and emerging capitalist economies, where those with property
had political voice but those without were open to exploitation and oppression.
Socialism is concerned with welfare of the people, and as such is concerned
with providing health care and education and the provision of other necessities
of a healthy life in order to create a more ‘level’ society.
Socialist ideals include production for use, rather than for profit; an equi-
table distribution of wealth and material resources among all people; no more
competitive buying and selling in the market; and free access to goods and ser-
vices. Or, as an old socialist slogan describes it, “from each according to ability,
to each according to need.” In a socialist economy, public officials control produc-
ers, consumers, savers, borrowers, and investors by taking over and regulating
trade, the flow of capital and other resources. In a free-market economy, trade is
conducted on a voluntary, or non-regulated, basis. Unlike communism, one of
the corner stones of socialism is to have the state own all capital and natural
resources within its sovereign territory. This means that the people being repre-
sented by the government will control everything and thus social classes would
be greatly undermined or eliminated together.

What is Communism?
It is an economic, social and political doctrine that aims to replace private prop-
erty and a profit-based economy with public ownership and communal control
of at least the major means of production (e.g., mines, mills, and factories) and
the natural resources of a society. Communism is thus a form of socialism—a
higher and more advanced form, according to its advocates. As an extreme left-
wing ideology, based on the revolutionary socialist teachings of Karl Marx, it is
characterized by collective ownership and planned economy. Thus, each should
work to their capability and receive according to their needs. Communism is the
result of the process by which workers, the proletariat, overthrow the capitalist
and bourgeois masters and take control of the means of production. The pro-
ducers become the owner of the production.
What is Capitalism?
Capitalism is an economic system where private entities own the factors
of production. The four factors are entrepreneurship, capital goods, natural re-
sources, and labor. The owners of capital goods, natural resources, and entre-
preneurship exercise control through companies. Individuals own their labor.
Capitalistic ownership means owners control the factors of production and de-
rive their income from their ownership. That gives them the ability to operate
their companies efficiently. It also provides them with the incen-
tive to maximize profit.
Capitalism requires a free market economy to succeed. It distributes
goods and services according to the laws of supply and demand. The law
of demand says that when demand increases for a particular product, its
price rises. When competitors realize they can make a higher profit, they in-
crease production. The greater supply reduces prices to a level where only the
best competitors remain. The owners of supply compete against each other for
the highest profit. They sell their goods at the highest possible price while
keeping their costs as low as possible. Competition keeps prices moderate and
production efficient. Another component of capitalism is the free operation of
the capital markets. The laws of supply and demand set fair prices for stocks,
bonds, derivatives, currency, and commodities. Capital markets allow compa-
nies to raise funds to expand.

Capitalism results in the best products for the best prices because con-
sumers will pay more for what they want the most. Businesses provide what
customers want at the highest prices they’ll pay, and prices are kept low by
competition among businesses. They make their products as efficiently as pos-
sible to maximize profit. Capitalism ignores external costs, such as pollution
and climate change. This makes goods cheaper and more accessible in the
short
What is Liberalism?
A political doctrine that takes protecting and enhancing the freedom of the
individual to be the central problem of politics. Liberals typically believe that gov-
ernment is necessary to protect individuals from being harmed by others, but they
also recognize that government itself can pose a threat to liberty. As the rev-
olutionary American pamphleteer Thomas Paine expressed it in Common Sense
(1776), government is at best “a necessary evil.” Laws, judges, and police are
needed to secure the individual’s life and liberty, but their coercive power may
also be turned against him. The problem, then, is to devise a system that gives
government the power necessary to protect individual liberty but also prevents
those who govern from abusing that power. Underlying the liberal belief in
adversarial is the conviction that human beings are essentially rational crea-
tures capable of settling their political disputes through dialogue and compro-
mise.

Liberalism adheres to the following beliefs: Individualism, freedom, reason,

justice, and toleration. Individualism- the belief in the supreme importance of
the individual over any social group or collective body. Freedom- the ability to
think or act as one wishes, a capacity that can be associated with the individual,
a social group or a nation. Individual liberty is the supreme political value and
the unifying principle of liberalism. Reason- gives human beings the capacity to
take charge of their own lives and fashion their own destinies. Humankind was
emancipated from the grip of the past and the weight of customs and traditions.
Justice- a moral standard of fairness and impartiality. It is giving what is due to
each person. Toleration- the willingness to accept views or action with which
one is in disagreement..
What is Neoliberalism?
An ideology and policy model that emphasizes the value of free market
competition. Although there is considerable debate as to the defining features of
neoliberal thought and practice, it is most commonly associated with laissez-faire
economics. In particular, neoliberalism is often characterized in terms of its belief
in sustained economic growth as the means to achieve human progress, its
confidence in free markets as the most- efficient allocation of resources, its
emphasis on minimal state intervention in economic and social affairs, and its
commitment to the freedom of trade and capital. As national economies became
more interdependent in the new era of economic globalization, neoliberals also
promoted free-trade policies and the free movement of international capital.

It suggests that states are constantly interacting with each other and that
they value cooperation as part of their own interest. It further refers to the revival
of economic liberalism. It is connected with a belief in market fundamentalism-
the absolute faith in the market, reflecting the belief that the market mechanism
offers solutions to all economic and social problems.
.
Prepared by:
______________________________________
ROSITA B. ARSENUE
Master Teacher II