Functions of Ideology in Social Action

Functions of Ideology in Social Action

·       Provides Direction and Vision

One of the primary functions of ideology in social action is to provide a clear direction and vision for the desired social change. It defines the goals, values, and principles that guide collective efforts, ensuring that actions are coherent and purposeful rather than scattered or reactive. By offering a conceptual roadmap, ideology helps participants understand what a just and equitable society should look like and identify the social structures that need reform. For example, in Nepal, the anti-Kamaiya movement was guided by the vision of ending bonded labor and promoting freedom and dignity for marginalized communities, providing a clear goal that mobilized activists and communities toward systemic change.

·       Motivates and Unites People

Ideology serves to motivate and unite people by creating a shared sense of purpose, values, and commitment toward social change. It fosters solidarity among participants, encouraging collective action and sustained engagement even in the face of challenges or resistance. A clear ideological framework helps individuals feel part of a larger movement, strengthening group cohesion and determination. For example, in Nepal, Dalit movements guided by anti-caste ideology have united marginalized communities to demand equal rights and social inclusion, motivating members to participate in campaigns against discrimination and untouchability actively.

·       Frames Social Problems

Ideology helps frame social problems by providing a perspective to understand and interpret issues as unjust, systemic, and changeable rather than natural or individual failings. It identifies the root causes of inequality, oppression, and exploitation, guiding social action toward addressing structural issues rather than only symptoms. For example, in Nepal, Marxist-inspired movements have framed unemployment, landlessness, and economic exploitation as systemic problems caused by unequal social and economic structures, motivating collective action to demand land reform and economic justice for marginalized communities.

·       Guides Strategies, Methods, and Tactics

Ideology provides a framework for selecting appropriate strategies, methods, and tactics in social action, ensuring that actions are consistent with the movement’s principles and ethical values. It helps determine whether approaches should be non-violent, reformist, or radical, and guides planning, organization, and execution of collective efforts. For example, in Nepal, Gandhian-inspired movements advocating for peace and democracy have used non-violent protests, strikes, and civil disobedience as strategies guided by their ideological commitment to non-violence and moral persuasion.

·       Legitimizes Social Action

Ideology legitimizes social action by providing moral, ethical, and intellectual justification for collective efforts aimed at social change. It helps participants, communities, and the broader public perceive the movement as legitimate, just, and necessary, thereby increasing support and reducing resistance. For example, in Nepal, human rights–based ideology has legitimized campaigns against gender-based violence and child labor, enabling activists and social workers to mobilize public opinion, influence policymakers, and implement reforms that protect vulnerable populations.

·       Builds Leadership and Organizational Cohesion

Ideology helps build leadership and strengthen organizational cohesion by providing a shared vision, values, and goals that guide decision-making and collective action. It identifies leaders who embody the movement’s principles and inspires participants to work together in a coordinated manner, enhancing unity and effectiveness. For example, in Nepal, the democratic movements of the 1990s (Jana Andolan I) relied on a shared democratic ideology that united diverse political groups and community leaders, fostering coordinated leadership and collective action to restore democracy.

·       Encourages Policy Influence and Institutional Change

Ideology drives social action to influence policies and bring about institutional change by providing a framework for identifying systemic problems and advocating for reforms. It helps social workers and activists translate collective grievances into concrete demands for legal, political, and structural transformation. For example, in Nepal, anti-caste and human rights ideologies guided movements that successfully influenced policies to abolish untouchability and implement affirmative action for marginalized communities, leading to significant changes in social and governmental institutions.

2 Models of Social Action