Political ideologies are sets of beliefs and values that shape individuals' views on government, society, and the economy. These ideologies serve as guiding principles that influence political decisions and actions. While there are numerous political ideologies, some of the most common ones include conservatism, liberalism, socialism, and libertarianism.
Conservatives generally advocate for limited government intervention in the economy, traditional values, and individual responsibility. On the other hand, liberals prioritize social justice, equality, and government intervention to address societal issues. Socialists support collective ownership of resources and the redistribution of wealth, while libertarians prioritize individual freedom and minimal government involvement.
In the United States, political ideologies have evolved over time. WASHINGTON, D.C. -- While notable on its own, the slight leftward shift over the long term in Americans' political ideology that Gallup has documented reflects changing social and cultural norms. This shift has led to increased support for issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, healthcare reform, and environmental protection.
In India's one-party-dominant system, views on the party in power (the BJP) and the issues over which it has long sought to establish ownership play a significant role in shaping political ideologies. The BJP's emphasis on nationalism, Hindu identity, and economic development has attracted supporters who align with conservative and nationalist ideologies.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the speed with which available health and safety information evolved was novel to most people around the world. This rapid dissemination of information led to differing responses based on political ideologies, with conservatives often questioning the validity of scientific recommendations and liberals advocating for strict public health measures.
Conservative political views correlated with a lower likelihood of having trust in cancer information disseminated by government health agencies. This skepticism can be attributed to concerns about government overreach, misinformation, and political bias in healthcare policies.
In the realm of law and politics, Supreme Court justices exemplify the spectrum of political ideologies. The most conservative justice, Samuel Alito, holds strict interpretations of the Constitution, while the most liberal justice, Sonia Sotomayor, advocates for progressive social policies and individual rights.
At 50%, the NFL received the largest share of “more conservative” or “somewhat conservative” responses from LGBTQ+ sports fans, though the league has made efforts to promote diversity and inclusion. This disparity highlights the complex intersection of sports, politics, and social issues.
Research has shown that exposure to information on wrongful convictions can influence individuals' views on the criminal justice system. Mullinix finds that when individuals are provided information regarding wrongful convictions, they become more concerned about the issue and may advocate for criminal justice reform based on their political ideologies.
The executive vice chancellor of the Florida College System, Clifford Humphrey, confirmed that the mandatory “intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity” survey was designed to promote diverse perspectives on campus. This initiative reflects the ongoing debate over free speech and academic freedom in higher education institutions.
Researchers found that human papillomavirus (HPV) awareness was highest among liberals, who were also most likely to be aware of HPV vaccination recommendations. This disparity in awareness highlights the influence of political ideologies on health education and preventive care practices.
