Second ideology outline
IDEOLOGY READING
We have already given one reading on ideology, so check to make sure
that you have it, then go over lecture notes and this handout to see
how it ties in.
We defined IDEOLOGY as a set of ideas or beliefs that are inextricably
linked to a particular socio-historical situation. Supporters or
adherents of these ideological ideas remain ignorant of this linkage.
A. CONSERVATIVE:
The conservative position begins with the basic assumption that the
goal of the criminal justice system is the protection of SOCIAL ORDER.
1. Necessity for maintaining social order
2. tendency to preserve existing social institutions and to favor
gradual rather than abrupt change
3. Existing social arrangements and practices are seen as a
reflection of public sentiments, morality, etc
4. tampering with social arrangements is inherently risky
5. Conservatives have little faith in government ability to solve
problems through social planning
B. LIBERAL/PLURALISM Liberal assumption begins from RIGHTS OF
INDIVIDUAL, DUE PROCESS (note--this is called "due process model), and
they currently advocate individual treatment/rehabiliation.
1. Tend to see conflict, not consensus, as a framework of society
and criminal justice
2. Liberals see political arena as one in which political struggle
occurs
3. Liberals adhere to piecemeal approach to policy change/reform
4. Rarely examine wider social context or history of problems
5. Tends to be humanitarian
NOTE HERE SIMILARITY BETWEEN LIBERALS AND CONSERVATIVES in
contemporary justice philosophy. This convergence has facilitated
sentencing reform and other policies on which both agree, responding
to "public mood."
C. RADICAL/ELITIST (note ambiguity of this term, as well as of
"liberal/pluralist)
1. Examines POLITICAL ECONOMY as fundamental unit of analysis (ie,
takes an explicitely STRUCTRUAL APPROACH)
2. Rejects assumptions (basic to liberalism) that the political
process affords ALL groups the opportunity to participate and
make needs known
3. Usually takes elitism/liberalism as starting point for
criticism (explain that this is because of many similarities,
so they distinguish/distance themselves from liberals).
4. Must change social system itself, can't just reform a few
parts.
D. LIBERTARIANS
For information on Libertarians click on their homepage
here. .
Libertarians, some believe, as a mix of liberal and conservative.
Libertarians believe strongly in individual rights but also strongly
believe in minimal government. "That political system is best that
governs least."