- What is a Repressive State Apparatus? Why does Althusser call it “repressive”? Can we explain his choice of words here. Give an example.
The Repressive State Apparatus is what controls society by the use of police, army, judicial system and prisons. Athusser calls it repressive because it is used to control the population into submission through force and violence.
For example; if you don’t pay your taxes you will have to pay a fine, if you fail to pay it you will go to jail, if you resist you will be taken there by physical force. This physical force can result in you getting hurt if not worse, and the state will not be held responsible.
2. Let’s do the same for the Ideological State Apparatuses. What are they, how do they seem to work?
The Ideological State Apparatuses are the media, education system, and religion, among other things.
They work by essentially brainwashing individuals in society into becoming submissive puppets.
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?
Though both apparatuses are designed to control the individual into submission, they differ in their punishment. The Repressive State Apparatus uses physical force, whereas the Ideological State Apparatus uses psychological manipulation and emotional pain.
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.
This is an example of Ideological State Apparatus in the form of media.
