Ideology and Utopia (L. Mannheim)

Lazarsfeld Mannheim’s concepts of "Ideology" and "Utopia" relate to how people view society and envision change. Ideology refers to beliefs that support existing social structures, often shaping how we understand our world—and in some cases, can obscure issues or justify inequalities. Utopia, on the other hand, is an optimistic vision of a better, ideal society that challenges the current order. Mannheim believed that understanding these ideas helps us see the motives behind political and social views—whether they reinforce the status quo or inspire change toward a more just future.