1) A Repressive State Apparatus is the use of threat of violence to create fear. This fear is used to control people’s behavior. Althusser calls it “repressive” because this apparatus is used to keep people in line. If a person behaves in a way that is not acceptable, then action is taken to stop them from behaving that way. For example, a person is robbing a bank is sentenced to prison. By sending them to prison, they are unable to rob a bank.

2) An Ideological State Apparatus is an institution, such as a school, used to teach people how to behave in society. It also influences how you identify yourself as well as your beliefs. Politics and the mass media are two other examples of Ideological State Apparatuses. These do most of the work.

3) A Repressive State Apparatus uses threat of violence and fear to control people. On the other hand, Ideological State Apparatuses rely on the institutions Althusser mentioned rather than the threat of violence. People learn what is normal behavior in society and maintain the status quo. Repressive State Apparatuses are only use when Ideological State Apparatuses don’t work.

4) This picture of a person being sentenced to prison is an example of a Repressive State Apparatus.