Unit 6: Comparing Ideology, Policy, and Decision-Making
In this unit we explore ideology and decision-making tactics. First, we compare five ideologies that have shaped mainstream political party platforms and governance in contemporary democratic systems: conservatism, liberalism, Christian democracy, social democracy, and environmentalism. We examine frameworks for understanding the policy process before discussing how policymakers obtain feedback and strategically use indecision. We conclude the unit by focusing on informal influences that shape government policy choices.
Completing this unit should take you approximately 10 hours.
Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- identify the basic belief systems of various mainstream ideologies found in contemporary democratic societies and political parties;
- identify and explain governance and policy-making in selected countries; and
- identify informal influences on governance and policy making.
- identify the basic belief systems of various mainstream ideologies found in contemporary democratic societies and political parties;
6.1: Contemporary Mainstream Political Ideologies
Read this article on the political ideology of conservatism. As the article describes, there is no single set of policies that are universally regarded as conservative, because the meaning of conservatism depends on what is considered traditional in a given place and time. Hence, conservatism takes different forms in different countries at different times. On what issues might an American conservative disagree with a European one?
Listen to this lecture, in which Skocpol explains the dynamics behind the Tea Party movement and its impact on the Republican Party establishment. What factors led to the emergence of the Tea Party as a political force? How has it transformed conservative ideology both within the party and on the national stage?
Read this article on the political ideology of liberalism. Like conservatism, there exist many variations throughout the world. You should be able to define the major components of the liberal tradition in addition to tracing its historical evolution.
Watch this lecture. Dworkin was a world renowned legal scholar whose liberal philosophy was grounded in his belief that law must take its authority from what ordinary people would recognize as moral virtue. What case does he make for the universality of liberalism?
Watch this panel discussion on feminism and the state of women's rights. Feminism is a collection of movements and ideologies which seek to achieve equal political, economic, cultural, personal, and social rights for women. According to the panelists, what have been the successes and failures of global feminism?
Read this article, which critiques efforts to enlarge the participation of women in governance and decision-making. What evidence do the authors present that suggest women are still marginalized in global discourse? What recommendations do they make to address the issue?
Read this article. Kellner calls on the British Labour Party to develop programs that underscore the principles of social democracy for the 21st century. What arguments does Kellner put forth about the demise of social democracy in Great Britain? Who is at fault and how can the trend be reversed?
Read this article on the Green Party. Why has "green politics" had such greater electoral success in Europe than the United States?
6.2: The Public Policy Cycle
Read this article on the key stages of the policymaking process.
Read this presentation on policymaking and advocacy as it relates to global public health initiatives.
Read this article on the challenges of assimilating evidence-based research into the policymaking process. What factors have contributed to lack of rigorously established objective evidence informing public policy?
Read this article. Iron triangles are often criticized for creating beneficial public policies in favor of corporations and other special interest groups. What types of governmental reforms would help to break the dynamics of this relationship between Congress, special interest groups, and bureaucratic agencies?
Read this section on the role of interest groups in government. What are the levels of influence that interest groups can possess in their relations with policymakers?
Read this article, which discusses the background and current issues related to the military-industrial complex. After President Dwight Eisenhower used the phrase in his 1961 farewell address, it entered the political lexicon to signify the notion that an oligarchy of corporate interests encompassing the Pentagon and its military producers was on the verge of controlling the U.S. government. How true do you think Eisenhower's warning ring today? Can you cite specific examples of the military-industrial complex's role in U.S. national defense policies and practices?
6.3: Politics beyond the Policy Process
Read the short section of this article on Informal Economy. Informal economies make up a significant portion of the economies in developing countries and are often associated with poverty and unemployment. Consider the ways in informal economies can be integrated into the formal sector. What are the challenges? Be sure to watch the video at the end of the article.
Read this report. What recommendations do the authors put forth to ensure a sustained investment and support in Africa's informal food economy?
Listen to this lecture. According to Krishnan, in what ways to countries engage in corruption? Is global corruption getting better or worse? What does he suggest are the keys to preventing it?
Unit 6 Assessment
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.
- Receive a grade
Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.
- This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
- You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
- You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.