Tatiana Reyes-Repressive State Apparatus

1.The Repressive State Apparatus is made up of the military, law enforcement, the court system, and the correctional facilities.Althusser describes it as “repressive” because it uses force and punishment rather than persuasion. This shows how these systems oppress dissent, limit freedoms, and uphold the ruling class.Which I find very interesting.

2.Ideological State Apparatuses are institutions that influence people’s thoughts and uphold the current social order without using violence.Which is the exact opposite from repressive state apparatus.

3.One of the main distinctions between Repressive State Apparatuses and Ideological State Apparatuses is that RSAs mainly rely on physical force and violence to uphold social order, while ISAs focus on influencing people’s beliefs and actions through ideology, typically utilizing institutions such as schools, media, and religion. It is important to note that what may work for some individuals within these systems may not necessarily be effective for the majority.

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Tatiana Reyes -Overviews of what ideology is.

1.Ideology can be viewed as a guiding set of principles or beliefs that shape the way individuals or groups perceive the world and their place within it. It can encompass a wide range of beliefs, from political ideologies that govern systems of government and economic structures, to cultural ideologies that shape societal norms and values. Political ideologies such as capitalism, communism, socialism, and Marxism are commonly recognized examples of ideologies that influence the way societies are organized and governed. These ideologies often have specific beliefs about the role of government, the distribution of wealth, and the rights and responsibilities of individuals within society.However, not all ideologies are explicitly political in nature. Cultural ideologies, for example, can encompass beliefs about gender roles, family structures, and moral values that shape the way individuals interact with each other and understand the world around them.

2.The contrast between conservative and liberal ideologies in U.S. politics lies in their perspectives on government involvement, social values, and individual versus collective responsibility. Conservatives support limited government intervention, free markets, lower taxes, and personal responsibility. lower taxes, and personal responsibility.

3.Louis Althusser defines ideology as a system of beliefs that shape how people perceive reality. He argues that it is not simply false ideas imposed on society, but a subtle and pervasive force embedded in institutions and daily life.