The Analysis of Ideology / Edition 1

by Raymond Boudon

Overview

This work, by one of Europe's foremost social theorists, presents a critical history of the concept of ideology. The author's discussion ranges from the early conceptions of ideology to its current usage in the works of Barthes, Foucault, Habermas and others.

Boudon develops a distinctive and original approach to the analysis of ideology. Drawing on a series of case studies, he seeks to explain how and why social actors adhere so readily to false or dubious ideas. In opposition to those views which associate ideology with irrationalism, Boudon develops a rationalist theory which helps to explain why certain ideas are believed by individuals and are thereby effective in the social world.

Rigorously argued and clearly written, this work is a major restatement of Boudon's theoretical views and a timely intervention in current debates. It will be of particular interest to students of sociology, politics and philosophy.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780745670973
Publisher:	Polity Press
Publication date:	03/04/2013
Pages:	250
Product dimensions:	5.98(w) x 9.02(h) x 0.63(d)

About the Author

Raymond Boudon is Professor of Sociology at the Sorbonne. He is the author of numerous works including Theories of Social Change (1986).

Table of Contents

Foreword.

Prologue.

1. A Question (among others) on Ideology.

Part I

2. What is Ideology?

3. Is Homo Ideologicus (always) Irrational?

4. Journey Round a Table.

Part II

5. Outline of a Restricted Theory of Ideology.

6. Ideology, Social Position and Dispositions.

7. Ideology and Communication.

8. Science and Ideology.

Part III

9. Two Case Studies.

10. Against Scepticism.

Notes.

Index.

Editorial Reviews

Boudon (sociology, Sorbonne) critiques the sociological explanations, past and present, of why individuals and groups adopt apparently irrational beliefs. He then offers his own interpretation that ideologies are a natural ingredient of social life and examines developmentalism and third-worldism as case studies. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

'... a useful description and analysis of some important ideological processes ...' Sociology

From the Publisher