Ideology as symbolic change : a study of public perception of social movements

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Stephen Wayne Seltz (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Joseph Himes

Abstract: The main thrust of this thesis will deal with ideology as an alternative symbolic universe to the already objectified host symbolic system within a given cultural group. It will be an examination of the relationship of the variance of ideology to the public perception of social conflict. In addition it will examine the relationship of ideology and the public perception of conflict as they bear on the choice of strategies and tactics for social movements. Ideology has long been considered a crucial component of social movements. Most of the theoretical-discussion concerning ideology has revolved around two definitions of the concept: the particular definition and the general definition. The former definition has been used more extensively in direct application to the study of social conflict and social movements. This definition generally holds that ideology is a type of doctrine: a very specialized, compartmentalized series of thoughts operative only in certain situations. Usually these situations are described as political (in the most abstract sense) and intimately associated with power or the pursuit thereof. The particular definition implies, especially on a common sense level, that ideologies are held by only a small minority of the population who are associated overtly with social change and social conflict.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1975
Subjects
Social movements $x Public opinion
Symbolic interactionism
Ideology $x Public opinion

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