- A RSA (Repressive State Apparatus)iS any institution that maintain order through coercion. Althusser calls it repressive because it uses violence, threats, or direct control to keep people in line with the states interests. For example police, military, prisons, and the court system. For instance, when police arrest protesters, that’s an RSA in action.
2. An ideological state apparatus is an institution that spreads beliefs, values, and norms to make people “voluntarily” accept the states system. They don’t use force directly but instead shape how people think so they “consent” to authority. For example, They work by teaching vaules that make people fit in society without needing constant force. Schools, media, religion, and family.
3. RSA- CONTROLS PEOPLE MAINLY THROUGH Force and coercion, ISA- THROUGH Ideas and beliefs.
4. Example of an ISA: Public schools teaching students to stand and recite the pledge of allegiance.
Example of an RSA: A government sending police to break up a strike.
