1.3 Factors that Influence Individual and Collective Beliefs and Values


Should ideology be the foundation of identity?


 

Factors Influencing Individual and/or Collective Identity and Ideology


 
  • Appreciate various perspectives regarding identity and ideology.
  • Explore factors that may influence individual and collective beliefs and values.
  • Analyze the extent to which personal identity should be shaped by ideologies.

 You will examine which beliefs and values have helped to shape your ideology.

 

 

Each individual or group views the world differently. Each person's life experiences and influences gradually shape their individual

and collective beliefs and values. Beliefs and values help individuals form an identity and, consequently, an ideology. Through the forming of ideology, individuals determine their points of view or perspectives on a wide spectrum of political, economic, and social issues.

This section presents the factors that influence identity, the foundations of an ideology, and how individualism and collectivism influence ideology. It addresses the question of which beliefs and values should shape one's ideology.
 

 

Get Focused

We all have beliefs and values. These beliefs and values guide us in the choices we make, the goals we set, what we choose to involve ourselves in, and what gives life its meaning. Beliefs and values make up a critical part of identity. But not everyone has the same beliefs and values. What are your beliefs and values? Consider your own beliefs and values. Have you ever really thought about where they come from?

Beliefs and values come from your experiences with your family, friends, society, and everything you do. These life experiences help you determine the ideas you will keep and the ones you will reject. For example, you and your friends walk through a particularly disadvantaged part of your city, and as a group, you decide to take some action to help with the situation. In this, you decide to embrace community action and reject apathy.

Your personal set of beliefs and values are important to you because of your beliefs and values:

  • guide the choices and decisions you make

  • help provide your ideals and goals

  • provide order to what you do

  • give your life meaning


     
     Think about these questions;

    • What strong beliefs do you have? For instance, you may have strong beliefs about societal issues such as terrorism, protecting human rights, the environment, or religion.

    • What things do you most value in your life? For instance, you may value family, friends, school, or even your smart phone.

    A quick inventory of your beliefs and values will be beneficial before you proceed. Make a list with two columns, one for beliefs and the other for values. This will help to focus your thoughts about the factors that help to shape your personal ideology as you go through the unit.

     
     

    The set of beliefs and values that you develop through your experiences make up part of your identity. This set of beliefs and values is called an ideology. Your ideology shapes your view of the world you live in and it reflects your beliefs about human nature and society.   Ideology also influences your beliefs about how society should be organized and governed.

    As you continue in this unit, you will examine how your beliefs and values contribute to how you think about the world. More specifically, what factors influence individual and collective beliefs and values?