What is a Repressive State Apparatus?

A repressive state apparatus (RSA) is the state mechanisms that enforces social order, protects ruling class interests, and suppresses dissent through coercion, violence, or threats to personal wellbeing. Althusser uses the word repressive purposely, because this apparatus operates by physically containing, restraining and punishing individuals who violate established order. It doesn’t rely on convincing the individual to agree, it forces you to comply whether you agree or not. Examples include the police, military, court systems, and prisons.

What is an Ideological State Apparatus?

Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs) are the institutions that maintain social order and reproduce the conditions being broadcast through ideology, cultural values and socialization. Whereas the RSAs are political in nature serving the government, ISAs serve in a more private or civil sphere. Some examples are education, religion, family dynamics and the media. ISAs function primarily on interpellation. They provide values and identities so that people internalize the rules voluntarily. Rather than being forced to comply, people are more obedient because they believe they are acting on free will, rather than coercion.

Differences between RSAs and ISAs

We can explore a few different criterias in order to identify the difference between the two apparatuses.

Primary Mechanism

-RSAs operate primarily by violence, force and legal coercion

-ISAs operate by ideology and consent. Physical coercion is present however it is not primary, and often does not come with violence as a punishment

Unity

-RSAs identify under a single unified often state controlled apparatus

-ISAs have multiple decentralized institutions spread across society

Enforcement Style

-RSAs rely on external compliance, forcing your body to comply through punitive consequences

-ISAs shape internal beliefs, forcing individuals to use their conscience to govern ourselves voluntarily.

Example of Ideology

This apparatus type is an ISA. It operates under the Cultural ISA. It calls upon patriotism to enlist into the Army, giving pride and sense of self to protect and serve the country.