# Ideology, Power, and Resistance By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2025-03-03 In simple terms, ideology can be understood as the beliefs we accept without conscious thought. Ideology encompasses our socially accepted values, goals, and beliefs. A part of ideology is one’s conception of power. In America, power is primarily focused on the ability to compel others to act against their will. Our understanding of power centers on force. This perspective highlights an ideological focus on those at the top of the social hierarchy (i.e., the elites) and those within the enforcement class (i.e., police and military personnel). Another aspect of power that is often overlooked is resistance. Those outside the upper echelon of elites or many in the enforcement class possess only the power of resistance. The dominant ideology, while representing the view of the dominant class—which is not always the majority—disparages resistance. This is not because resistance is futile, but because it is effective. There is strength in resistance. Those in power aim to convince those without it that conforming will enable them to advance within the system. In summary, if individuals align with the wishes of the powerful, they will be rewarded with promotions, prestige, and money. This outcome occurs just often enough for people to believe it. The ideology is accepted due to the minimal amount of corresponding data available to make it credible. The same is true in reverse. In the rare instances where some people resist, the enforcement class intervenes and quells the opposition. Typically, those involved in resistance face some form of punishment from the system. Again, the system produces just enough data to imply that the ideology's positive (i.e., carrots) and negative (i.e., sticks) incentives are genuine. And they are. However, they are not all-encompassing. Being the best conformer is likely to yield rewards from the elites. Minor resistance tends to be ineffective and is met with harsh responses from the enforcement class. Major resistance can be impactful. This aspect is almost always overlooked in the dominant ideology. As the saying goes, Go big or go home. Power remains the primary focus when discussing ideology, power, and resistance. Ideology, within any given regime of power, is frequently overlooked. Resistance is stigmatized. Power that benefits the elites is celebrated. Similar to a casino, the odds always favor the house. One can win, but most will lose. Only resistance can shift the game's odds in favor of the majority. #### Related Items [[Ideology]] [[Power]] [[Resistance]] [[Society]] [[Hierarchy]] [[Class]]