1. Repressive State Apparatus includes the government-controlled organizations such as the military, police and the courts, established to set order and control the public by violence or threats for violence. Althusser calls is “repressive” because these institutions, use force or threat of force as a way of repression, to make people follow the rules laws or social values. For example, if someone commits a crime, the police can arrest them, and the court can punish them. I can try and explain his choice of words by claiming that Althusser tried to emphasize the use of force in order to put people in place if they don’t follow the rules. As long as they do, there is no repression. We can argue that “repressive” may sound too aggressive but at is core it is true. We fear (or should fear) the result of our action if they are illegall.
2. according Althusser, Ideological State Apparatuses are establishments and organizations  that help maintain the main ideology in the society and prevent change to the status quo. This includes school, places of worship, family and the media. They work by providing nonviolent and educational access to the mainstream ideology ideas and believes.
3. Repressive and Ideological State Apparatuses are different from each other mainly by the way they aim to control the people. State Apparatuses believes in using active force and fear and Ideological Apparatuses uses influence and more behind the scenes, nonviolent ways to promote its ideas. Additionally, the goal of State Apparatuses is to control and keep things in order while ideological Apparatuses tries to convince people and normalize the mainstream ideology.
4. My example is for ideological apparatuses and it is the music video by Taylor Swift for her song “You Have To Calm Down”. https://youtu.be/Dkk9gvTmCXY?si=JxSYWtpQhJRTqcZk. The song, that was released in 2019, and currently has 351 million views, includes a strong statement against the anti-gay culture in America under the Trump administration and aims to rightfully normalize the liberal agenda where everyone deserves equal rights. The title of the song “you have to calm down” together with other lyrics from the song such as “Why are you mad? When you could be GLAAD? (You could be GLAAD) Sunshine on the street at the parade, But you would rather be in the dark ages, Making that sign, must’ve taken all night” encourage people to drop hate and old times ideas and accept gay people as they are. The video includes many mainstream celebrities who are part of the LGBTQ+ along side LGBTQ+ activist and celebrities to show the public that is nothing wrong with being part of the LGBTQ+ community.

1. An RSA refers to institutions like the government, police, military, and judiciary that enforce order through direct coercion or repression.
2. ISAs are institutions that spread the dominant ideology and encourage people to accept it willingly. Examples: News, Media, Churches, Schools

1. Repressive state apparatus is organization that enforces control through force for example the army or the police. Althusser calls them repressive because these kind of organizations use their physically power to force you to stop something. For example the police use their force and power to stop people from vandalizing at a protest.
2. Ideological state apparatus are organizations like schools, the media and religious beliefs that influences people. They influence people by changing their perspectives on certain things to maintain control.
3. The difference between repressive and ideological state apparatus is that repressive state uses physical force and power to control while Ideological state influences through ideology.
4. https://youtu.be/BjZo5EIRZZ4 in the movie Fury the military soldiers uses violence to maintain control during their time at war and follows the governments orders.

1. What is a Repressive State Apparatus?

A Repressive State Apparatus includes institutions that use force or threats to keep people in line and enforce laws. Althusser calls it “repressive” because it controls people through direct, physical means. For example, the police are a a repressive state apparatus because they have the authority to arrest people and use force if necessary to maintain public order and ensure laws are followed.

2. What are Ideological State Apparatuses?

Ideological State Apparatuses are institutions that shape our beliefs and values without using force. These include things like schools, media, and religious organizations. They influence how we see the world and what we think is important by promoting certain ideas and norms. For example, schools teach not just academic subjects but also social values and behaviors, helping to shape our understanding of how society works.

3. What is the difference between Repressive and Ideological State Apparatuses?

The main difference between these is in how they exert control. Repressive State Apparatuses use direct force and authority to enforce laws and maintain order, like the police or the military. They manage behavior through actions that involve physical power. Ideological State Apparatuses, on the other hand, influence people’s thoughts and values in a more subtle way. They shape how we think about things like culture, politics, and social norms through education, media, and religion, without using physical force.

4. Example of Ideology

A public service announcement by the Florida department of health promoting the benefits of healthy eating. This PSA is an example of an Ideological State Apparatus at work. It influences people’s beliefs about health and encourages them to adopt certain behaviors, like eating nutritious foods. It does this through persuasion and providing information, rather than using force, to shape how people think about their health and lifestyle choices. The link is attached below.

Okay, let ‘s go to the questions, consider the following:

1. What is a Repressive State Apparatus? Why does Althusser call it “repressive”? Can we explain his choice of words here. Give an example.

2. Let’s do the same for the Ideological State Apparatuses. What are they, how do they seem to work?

3. Important: this question will appear on our exam: How are the Repressive and Ideological State Apparatuses different from each other? What is the difference between the two?

4. Post an example of ideology. This could be a piece of writing, an image, video, pdf document, visual art, or music, clip from a movie. Next to your example, specify if this is an example of repressive or ideological apparatuses at work. I’ll start us of off by giving an example.

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