Final answer:
The Ideology of Social Control in a Capitalistic society upholds a class-based hierarchy where dominant class ideologies justify inequality. It promotes individualism and meritocracy, leading workers to accept their societal positions and reducing systemic critique. By contrast, socialism advocates for collective welfare and economic control to counter capitalism's inequities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Ideology of Social Control in a Capitalistic society is primarily concerned with the dominant class's ability to impose its values and beliefs on the workforce. Capitalism, emphasizing individual success through competition and the notion of hard work being rewarding in and of itself, perpetuates a system in which wealth and status are seen as the basis for social hierarchy. Consequently, workers are conditioned to internalize their societal position and not question the broader status quo.
Social hierarchy and the preservation of inequality are justified through various dominant ideologies, which can vary from emphasizing religious doctrines to celebrating consumerism and economic growth. In capitalist societies like the United States, these ideologies often support the notion that one's value in society is directly related to their economic success or career achievements. This narrative upholds the current class-based system.
Comparatively, socialism presents an economic and political ideology that emphasizes collective prosperity and social welfare over individual gain. Socialist societies or ideas often argue for a controlled economy to avoid capitalism's inherent inequalities and the concentration of wealth and power.
The meritocratic perspective in capitalist nations justifies social disparities with the assumption that those at the top have earned their position through merit, while those at the bottom are responsible for their circumstances. This serves as a mechanism for social control, indicating that social mobility is attainable through individual effort, thereby reducing criticism of the systemic inequalities that contribute to the stratification.