Ideology exists within society, within groups, and between people. ... Sociologists study it because it plays such a powerful role in shaping how society is organized and how it functions. Ideology is directly related to the social structure, economic system of production, and political structure.

How does ideology relate to power?

Because of this, Van Dijk (2000: 7) asserts that ideologies are the fundamental beliefs of a group and its member. Power relation is a relationship between one group with another group that underlie ideologies. Power is a complex and an abstract concept, and an infinitely important influence on our lives.

What is the purpose of an ideology?

The main purpose behind an ideology is to offer either change in society, or adherence to a set of ideals where conformity already exists, through a normative thought process. Ideologies are systems of abstract thought applied to public matters and thus make this concept central to politics.