1. A repressive state apparatus is a social system that uses force and control to keep people in line. The reason Althusser calls it “repressive” is that it depends on authority and power to enforce laws, even if it means resorting to violence. For instance, the police act as a Repressive State Apparatus when they use force to put an end to protests because they are using their position of power to enforce control and fear on citizens.
  2. Ideological State Apparatuses are societal institutions that shape people’s ideas, values, and behaviors to maintain the current social structure. They include institutions like educational institutions, places of worship, the media, and political parties. By using socialization, advertising, and education to promote and strengthen the current ideology, Ideology State Apparatuses carry out their goal.
  3. Repressive State Apparatuses, like the police and military, use physical coercion and force to maintain authority through fear. Schools and the media are examples of ideological state apparatuses that influence values and beliefs to promote the world’s current view. Ideological state apparatuses use persuasion to influence attitudes and behaviors, while repressive state apparatuses use violence to guarantee enforcement. Together, they maintain the social structures of power that are currently in place.
  4. An example of an ideological state apparatus is Mayor Adams wanting to ban drill rap in NYC. Drill rap is a subgenre of rap that’s a more aggressive and violent form of rap. Usually, it’s more violent and aggressive because of their upbringing. He proposes that drill rap brings more violence to the city whereas there was always violence in the city even before drill rap was publicized. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/nyc-mayor-eric-adams-drill-rap-music-1235030678/

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