Title: Discussion Board 3.2

1. What is a Repressive State Apparatus?
A Repressive State Apparatus (RSA) is a system that uses force or punishment to control people. Althusser calls it “repressive” because it works through violence, fear, or pressure. Examples are the police, prisons, or the army. For example, when police arrest protesters, that is an RSA.

2. What is an Ideological State Apparatus?
An Ideological State Apparatus (ISA) is different because it works through ideas instead of force. ISAs teach people what to believe and what is “normal.” Examples are schools, churches, families, and the media. For example, schools teach discipline and respect for rules, which prepares people to follow authority later in life.

3. How are RSA and ISA different?
The difference is simple: RSA controls people with force, while ISA controls people with ideas. Both support the system, but they work in different ways.

4. Example of ideology
An example of ideology is the belief that “hard work always leads to success.” This is an ISA because it makes people believe the system is fair, even though not everyone has the same chances.