1. A Repressive State Apparatus is basically the tough side of the government, like the police, military, and courts, that makes sure people follow the rules, sometimes using force by a strong driving force “fear”. Althusser calls it “repressive” because it’s all about keeping control by being strict and sometimes punishing people. It’s like when a teacher sends someone to the principal’s office for breaking the rules. The idea is that these parts of the government are there to make sure everyone stays in line, using their power to enforce the laws.

  2. The key idea behind Ideological State Apparatuses is that they subtly shape our thinking so that we hardly ever question inequalities in society. Through various institutions like schools which he states is one of the most powerful ideological state apparatuses because they are ‘mandatory’ which serves the same as the medieval Catholic Church in the feudal systems, we’re taught certain norms and values that make the existing social structures seem natural such as obeying to the authority of the teachers (and government).

  3. The main difference between Repressive State Apparatuses and Ideological State Apparatuses lies in how they maintain control and uphold societal norms. RSAs do this through force and coercion, using tools like the police, military, and legal system to enforce laws and ensure order. They’re about making sure people follow the rules by showing the consequences if they don’t.

    On the other hand, ISAs work through culture, education, media, and other social institutions to subtly shape our beliefs, values, and behaviors. They don’t use force instead, they influence us from a young age to accept and perpetuate the existing social order as if it’s just the way things are supposed to be. So, while RSAs might use physical or legal power to keep society in line, ISAs work by getting us to buy into certain ideas and norms, making us part of maintaining those norms without even realizing it.

  4. Althusser sees ideology essentially as a tool or weapon that the powerful use to justify keeping things as they are. He suggests that ideologies stem from the way work and ownership are structured in society. Then, these ideologies are supported and spread through widely accepted beliefs, like religion or racism, making people think the current system is the only way. According to him, ideology is complex and deeply intertwined with societal norms, influencing people’s actions and thoughts more than we might realize.

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