Right, Left, and Religious Ideologies

Abstract

Abstract Chapter 7 provides empirical evidence and real-life examples of how particular ideologies—those found on the left, right, and religious political spectrums—can reconcile human needs. This wide range of ideologies covers different paradigms and provides different moral models, which form attitudes toward social, economic, and political issues. From this point of departure, we examine various ideologies; their specific narratives, ideas, values, and norms; and how they can serve specific human needs. However, we put our emphasis on political ideologies that have the potential to exacerbate violence and conflict, namely racism, nationalism, ethnic nationalism, fascism, left-wing extremism, communism/socialism, the New Left, and religious fundamentalism. Here we explain how these ideologies have the capacity to reconcile human needs by incorporating real-life examples. Finally, we discuss findings showing that adherents, in particular extremists, of various ideologies are not a homogeneous group and have different needs, preferences, and personalities.