Final answer:
Economics, politics, and cultural politics diverge due to their different foundations: economics on resource allocation, politics on power distribution, and cultural politics on identity and social norms. The cross-application of economic theories among various political ideologies underscores the adaptability and complexity of economic language across political spectrums.
Step-by-step explanation:
Economics, politics, and cultural politics often pull in different directions because they are each shaped by distinct values, priorities, and systems. Economics focuses on the efficient allocation of resources, political ideologies influence the distribution of wealth and the role of governments, while cultural politics are driven by identity, beliefs, and social norms.
British economist Joan Robinson pointed out that economic theory does not preach specific doctrines, which allows for different political interpretations and applications of economic concepts. Conservatives typically favor market freedom and minimal government intervention, whereas liberals are more likely to stress the weaknesses of markets and advocate for government programs to address social issues.
Furthermore, cultural factors such as ethnicity, religion, and language can complicate the political process, leading to conflicts in how resources are distributed and how economic and social policies are determined.