Ideology:A Category Of Historical Materialism

Marxism is the guiding ideology for constructing Socialism with Chinese characteristics, as well as the fundamental principles for constructing socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics. Ideology is not only an important component of superstructure, but also a basic category of historical materialism. It has theoretical and practical importance to study seriously Marxist ideology, to construct socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics, to enhance attractiveness and cohesiveness of socialist ideology.This thesis is divided into four parts:Firstly, the developmental process of the conception of ideology underwent five stages, Tracy stage, Marx Engels stage, Mannheim stage, Lenin stage and Western Marxism stage. The meaning of the conception of ideology has developed with the history from negativity in its beginning stage to neutrality and positivity, with different scholars and theoretical schools presenting new interpretation from multidimensional perspectives.Secondly, Marxist ideology is scientific ideology. Ideology is an important category of historical materialism, a part of social consciousness, and ideological system of systematically and consciously reflecting socio-economic forms and political systems. Social consciousness is determined by social existence, having distinct class nature; social ideology depends on social existence but also in the mean while has its independence. Therefore, social ideology play an important role in maintaining and supporting existing economic basis and state politics.Thirdly, contemporary western theory on the end of ideology is a huge trend of theoretical thought of ideology emerging in the new historical conditions, having significant influence in theoretical field. However, its nature is still for the capitalist countries to carry out Bourgeois ideology worldwide. Capitalist system and the nature of Bourgeois rule did not change. Various theories on the end of ideology has only been the presentation of struggle in the ideological field in new fields by new ways.Finally, socialist ideology, as an important component of superstructure, plays a significant role in the existence and development of socialist society, and in constructing the socialist cause with Chinese characteristics. Socialist ideology, consisting primarily of socialist core value system, is the guiding thought for constructing socialist ideology with Chinese characteristics. We must maintain the guiding status of Marxism in the field of ideology, making efforts to construct socialist core value system; reform and innovation, highlighting the epochal character, advancement and priority of socialist ideology.