ideological superstructure

Ideological superstructure refers to the set of beliefs, values, and ideas that arise from and support a society’s economic base, which includes its mode of production and class relations. Think of it as the cultural, political, and social systems—like laws, education, and religion—that shape how people think and behave. These ideas help justify the existing economic and social order, influencing how individuals and groups interact within that system. The concept suggests that our beliefs are influenced by our material conditions, meaning that economic reality often shapes societal values and ideologies.