1. The Repressive State Apparatus includes institutions like the police, military, courts, and prisons that use force or authority to keep society organized and controlled. Althusser calls it “repressive” because these institutions enforce rules and norms through direct methods like punishment and physical force. The word “repressive” shows how these institutions help maintain control and prevent challenges to the current system. For example, during a protest, the police work to make sure things don’t get too chaotic. If necessary, they might use force to manage the crowd or arrest people breaking the law. This approach helps maintain social order by directly addressing any problems or disruptions
2. Ideological State Apparatuses are places like schools, media outlets, and religious institutions that help shape our beliefs and values without using force. They work by influencing how we think and feel about the world around us. Instead of using physical power, these institutions teach us what’s important and guide our understanding of society through things like education and media. For example, schools are a great example of this. They don’t just teach us subjects like math and science, they also help us learn about important social values. Schools often stress the importance of being punctual, working hard, and following rules, which are all values that fit into the larger framework of how society operates. So, these institutions play a key role in reinforcing the ideas and norms that support the way things are organized in our world.
3. The main difference between Repressive State Apparatuses and Ideological State Apparatuses is how they keep society under control. Repressive State Apparatuses use direct methods like force and authority to manage problems right away. For example, the police or military step in during a crisis and use their power to handle the situation. On the other hand, Ideological State Apparatuses work in a more subtle way. They influence how we think and feel about the world through things like schools, media, and religious organizations. Instead of using force, they shape our values and beliefs over time. For instance, schools not only teach subjects like math but also important social values such as working hard and following rules. So, while Repressive State Apparatuses deals with immediate problems and maintain order through direct actions, Ideological State Apparatuses focuses on shaping our long term beliefs and attitudes.
4. In many schools, there’s a strong emphasis on doing well on tests, earning good grades, and winning awards. Students are often told that their success is mainly about how hard they work and compete against others. The main idea is that personal effort and impressive achievements are the keys to succeeding in life. (Ideological State Apparatuses)
