ORGANIZATIONAL IMPERATIVES AND IDEOLOGICAL CHANGE

Two theories of ideological change predominate in popular and social science literatures. The first takes the interests of social groups as decisive, the second understands ideologies as expressions of societal values or cultures. Neither allows much scope for existing political elites, who exercise considerable influence over political discourse. The utility of incorporating organizational needs of political elites into explanations of ideological innovation is demonstrated in a case-study analysis of the rise of Black Power in the late sixties. The point is buttressed by comparing black leaders to British trade unionists at the close of World War I. Two theories of ideological change predominate in both popular and social science literatures (Apter, 1964). ’ The first takes the interests of social groups as decisive. Since groups have enduring stakes in a social system-i.e., economic position, social status and political power-ideologies are developed on their behalf to assist in the political struggle for these ends. Radical change occurs when social groups become so desperately dissatisfied with existing conditions that they aggressively seek to alter politics and society. Misery breeds ideological innovation. The AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is a revised version of apaper entitled &dquo;Urban violence: retrospect and prospects,&dquo; Stanford University, 1974. I have received helpful comments from Jeremy Byman, Toni-Michelle Chap