- One similarity in the way social class is discussed in readings 4.1 and 4.2 is describing it as something that affects peoples over all quality of life. The difference in the way it is discussed is the structural issues such as in 4.1 system inequality, while 4.2 focuses on individual choices.
- I live In far rockaway NY and my social class consist of low/ middle income families , with lots of Immigrants. I am not surprised with the answer. I do feel like it is an accurate representation of the people who live in my neighborhood.
- Based off reading 4.2 I do notice a general pattern about social classes in NYC. I notice social classes plays a big part in where people live and what opportunities are available to them.
Jada Black Discussion 3.2
- A repressive state apparatus refers to the institutions of the state that force order through control. RSA’s use physical force , legal penalties and other forms of coercion to ensure obedience. For example, when a large public protest breaks out, the police acts as an RSA by using excessive force to calm down the crowd.
- Ideological state apparatus are institutions that use ideas , education, and cultural practices to reinforce the ideology of a society. Families are such a great an example ,because there are many traditions families create that follow many generations as time goes on. Also religious institutions , such as churches. They promote social ethics that Aline with ideology. ISAs work by circulating ideas that seem natural or common. For example , schools might teach history in a way that highlights unity. This may shape how students see the world.
- The main difference between RSAs and ISAs are their method of control. RSAs operate through direct force while ISAs shapes peoples beliefs, values, and perceptions.
- Example of ideology :

This is an example of ideological apparatus.
Jada Black- What is ideology?
- Ideology is a set of ideas, beliefs, and values of a group or individual. Ideologies can be political, cultural, religious, or economic. A political ideology focuses on how society should work and how a government should be ran. One example of a political ideology is Liberalism. People who follow liberalism believe the government should be chosen by the people and protect the rights of the people.
- I look at ideology as an influence to different perspectives on what people believe. I believe the system of ideas are categorized based off what people think may be best or fair. It also influences your actions. For example , if someone strongly believes In an environment ideology, they may choose to recycle and purchase a lot of reusable products. They can also support policies and political debates that focus on stricter environmental regulations. This ideology influence can affect someone’s everyday life causing a consistent pattern of decisions regarding living differently.
- I look at ideology as an influence to different perspectives on what people believe. I believe the system of ideas are categorized based off what people think may be best or fair. It also influences your actions. For example , if someone strongly believes In an environment ideology, they may choose to recycle and purchase a lot of reusable products. They can also support policies and political debates that focus on stricter environmental regulations. This ideology influence can affect someone’s everyday life causing a consistent pattern of decisions regarding living differently.
- A conservative ideology generally focuses on a smaller government role in the economy and everyday life. They believe that if the government should follow a traditional morality. A liberal ideology tends to believe the government should play a more active role in society. They believe in individual freedoms ,equality, and the protection of civil rights. The big difference diving the two, is conservatives rather preserve the social norms while liberals advocate for change in society. For example, with health care policies conservatives favor a system that relies more on private insurance and market competition. While liberals believe the government should provide us with healthcare as it is a necessity for everyone.
3. Althussers definition of ideology is sort of different than the base definition of ideology. He believes that it operates through practices embedded in institutions. He stated that “ideology represents the imaginary relationship of individuals to their real conditions of existence”. This means that ideology is the way people understand and relate to their social and economic conditions. For example , commercials that will play during the Super Bowl will promote their products but at the same time show how their product can affect your life in a positive way. The ad encourages you to believe “this can be you”.