The Concept of Ideology

This book introduces the reader to the concept of ideology and discusses analytically the basis upon which diverse schools of thought build up their theories. It covers the most significant contributions to the concept by emphasizing a critical and analytical approach within a loose historical framework. The main questions which the book sets out to clarify are whether ideology is conceived negatively or positively; whether it is regarded as a subjective, psychological phenomenon or an objective social one; whether it is seen as a specific element in the "superstructure" of society and as identical with the whole sphere of cuture; and finally, how ideology is related to, and differentiated from science. Within his historical framework Jorge Larrain examines, in thorough and searching manner, the coherence and value of some of the most important conceptions of ideology, from Mannheim to the modern structuralist.