Ideology as a Subject of Scientific Discourse

Objective of the study is to consider various approaches to understanding the concept of ideology and systematizing the main ones. The methodological basis of the research consists of constructivist, instrumentalist, elitist and sociocultural approaches in understanding the specifics of ideology. Results of the study. The research examines the theoretical foundations of the concept of "ideology", the variety of approaches to this concept and its evolution. The evolution of this concept, as it was revealed during the study, depended on the socio-political conditions of life and a specific historical epoch, which influenced the understanding of ideology. In addition, the author, analyzing the understanding of ideology by various scientists of the XIX-XXI centuries, systematizes their thoughts and identifies Marxist, neo-Marxist, psychological, cultural-semiotic, and other approaches to understanding "ideology". Research рerspectives. The work opens up prospects for further research into the specifics of ideology, its constructive and destructive influence on the development of society.