---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: One problem for the analyst of ideologies…"
description: "\"“One problem for the analyst of ideologies is that many holders of ideology, especially but not solely conservatives, have denied that they are ideolog..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/426/michael-freeden-170294_change_one-problem-for-the-analyst-of-ideologie_488038.jpg"
---

#  One problem for the analyst of ideologies is that many…

![“One problem for the analyst of ideologies is that many holders of ideology, especially but not solely conservatives, have denied that they are ideological. Instead they have seen themselves as pragmatic, reserving the appellation 'ideology' only for the ideas of those political movements that…” quote by Michael Freeden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/426/michael-freeden-170294_change_one-problem-for-the-analyst-of-ideologie_488038.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/426/michael-freeden-170294_change_one-problem-for-the-analyst-of-ideologie_488038.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/426/michael-freeden-170294_change_one-problem-for-the-analyst-of-ideologie_488038.jpg)

> ““One problem for the analyst of ideologies is that many holders of ideology, especially but not solely conservatives, have denied that they are ideological. Instead they have seen themselves as pragmatic, reserving the appellation 'ideology' only for the ideas of those political movements that issue plans for radical and total change. This undoubtedly reflects the problem that open contestation, and consequently the need for justification, have been largely absent in the totalitarian regimes.””

[Michael Freeden](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-freeden/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Ideologies are often denied by their adherents who view themselves as pragmatic, especially in conservative circles, leading to lack of open debate in totalitarian regimes.

**In simple terms:** People deny their own ideology, claiming pragmatism, which stifles debate.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and name your own ideological biases.

Themes

Ideology Denial Conservatism Totalitarianism Political discourse

Mood

critical analytical

Type

ideology:1 Change:0 Ideological:1 Ideologies:1 Ideology:1 Ideologies Holders:0 Denied Ideological:0 Ideology Especially:0

When to use this quote

- Political analysis
- Academic research
- Public debate
- Media commentary

Key Concepts

Self‑deception Cognitive bias Power dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

- How does labeling ideas as 'ideology' affect their acceptance?
- What are the risks of assuming pragmatism over ideology?

A Different Perspective

Denial of ideology can hinder genuine understanding and dialogue.

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[Change](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/change/) [Denied Ideological](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/denied-ideological-4182703/) [Ideological](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideological/) [Ideologies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideologies/) [Ideologies Holders](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideologies-holders-4182702/) [Ideology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideology/) [Ideology Especially](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ideology-especially-4182704/)

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