- A Repressive State Apparatus is Althusser’s theory of ideology. Althusser uses the term “repressive” because it refers to the forceful and corrective functions used to keep things in place. People like the police and military have the power to enforce rules. Which is where the term “repressive” comes in, they have the authority to have rules set in place, and with force. For example, in a case where there is a big group of protestors against the government, the police might step in to break it up. The use of the word “repressive” is his way of emphasizing the coercive system that is set in place.
- Ideological State Apparatus was Althusser’s thing about the government using subtle tools the government uses to sway society to think and act a certain way. Ideological State Apparatus does not use force, rather ideas and values to keep things in order. For example, the media is an Ideological State Apparatus. Simply by watching your favorite TV show, or reading up on the latest from your favorite new outlets, the words and situations being used has us following a set of values without us even knowing in. If a child sees in their favorite show that bullying is unacceptable, they will also go on feeling that bullying is unacceptable.
- Repressive State Apparatus and Ideological State Apparatus are both concepts made to keep society in order, though, they both have different approaches. Repressive State Apparatus has a more forceful approach to maintain order, like using police to break up a disorderly situation. However, Ideological State Apparatus uses an individual’s mind to influence behavior and beliefs. It is heavily used in schools, the media, religious institutions, etc. to help shape perception of reinforcing dominant ideologies. The two differ the most in terms of operation, Repressive State Apparatus is more to maintain things in order, while Ideological State Apparatus is more to influence the perception of people with what they see and hear everyday.
- https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2023/11/17/trump-biden-general-election/
This is a link to a thread of examples Biden and Trump took at each other during their political campaigns in 2020. This example illustrates Repressive State Apparatus because of both parties using negative campaigning against each other. Using forceful language of why the opposing party, is the wrong party. This can be seen as a forceful tactic as it influences our opinion on who is the right person to vote for.
