Ideology

The question of ideology in New Zealand is an interesting one, if only because everyone denies that there is any. The effect of the "behavioural" approach to politics, and the tendency to skirt analysis in history, has been, I fear, a damaging influence to a radical critique of New Zealand society. At worst, it implies a conservative approach, where only "pragmatism" can solve problems, and fundamental issues of social relations, etc., do not require the radical transformation that, for example. Socialism demands. The non-ideological approach, if accepted, is implicitly denying that ideology plays an influential role in our life. In ignoring this we are far from rejecting the truth of ideology, rather we have been seduced into what Herbert Marcuse called "one dimensional thinking."

Patricia Caughley refers to Labour's foreign policy as a "logical development" of traditional Labour views. She is right. This foreign policy, aside from Mr. Kirk's opportunism, is an unashamed expression of naive humanitarianism, as the quotations from Mr. Nordmeyer illustrate. Miss Caughley also refers to the ideological nature of National's antipathy to economic planning. This is so, but it is far from the classic laissez faire economic ideas of nineteenth century liberalism. The ideology of National has deeper roots; although there is very little research on this party. I am sure that once again "pragmatism" is merely a cover for obvious class interests.