A repressive state apparatus is what controls you through force or the threat of violence. This includes use of police, courts, and prisons. I believe Althusser called it repressive, to depict the act of using power, force, or violence to control and restrict limitations on individuals freedoms. An example of this would be the prison system. The prison system is used to penalize and detain those who have broken a law, serving as a structure to maintain control and repress those who challenge the states authority.
Ideological state apparatuses are used to prevent change to the state of affairs. These organizations use ideology to sustain control by shaping people’s belief’s, values, and principles without the use of direct force. For example, the education system plays a key factor in how people envision society, authority, and social norms. This also includes maintaining social order by shaping individuals identities and positions in the world with the use of regulations, schedule adherence, and obedience.
RSA’s and ISA’s differ from each other by their control mechanisms. Aforementioned, RSA uses force or the threat of violence in order to subdue those who defy the states authority or break the law. An example of using physical means would be, the prison system physically detains and confines those who have been convicted of a crime. ISA on the other hand, uses ideology to structure values and beliefs. For example, schools promote the social norms and beliefs of authoritative figures, while the media perpetuates narratives around political and cultural ideologies.
The image below represents Ideological state apparatuses. It shows how corporate influence and conformity influence society. ISA’s prohibit people from challenging or working to alter the structures that sustain control within the hands of a powerful bunch.
I believe Ideology to be a set of beliefs, judgements, and principles that navigate how we the people, perceive the world. Different ideologies such as economic, social, and political (to name a few) can influence how we make decisions and what deem to morally right or wrong. The different types of ideologies can also change the structure of society. For example, conservative embrace a free market and favor less government spending because that in turn transpires to lower taxes. On the other hand, liberals support government intervention and higher taxes, when it benefits marginalized groups. Political socializations like family, social groups, economic self interest, gender gap, education, and political conditions are how we learn about values like liberty and equality. This is also how we align ourselves with a conservative or liberal perspective.
I understand the understand the difference between conservative and liberal ideology in US politics is by assessing the values that each group practices. Liberals are more progressive with policies that focus on equality, government intervention, and social transformation. For example, liberals oppose government intervention in individuals personal life. They favor things like marijuana legalization or pro-choice advocacy, while conservative oppose it. Conservatives embrace individual liberties, minimal government regulation, and upholding conventional values. For example, conservatives support minimal government involvement, a strong military defense, advocacy for pro-life, and contraceptive oppression. The dividing line amongst conservatives and liberals seems to be liberty and equality. I define liberty to be independence without any restrictions. Having the freedom to speak, think, and act upon one’s own volition. I also define equality to be fairness without discrimination for all individuals or groups. Regardless or race, sex, age, or socioeconomic status.
I understands Althusser’s definition of ideology to be a structure of thoughts and enactments that define how people view the world and their place in it. It is also is a real life depiction that is experienced in our organizations and institutions like media outlets, schools, and churches. For example, Althusser’s ideology can be seen in the media. Consumer advertisements in the media gives off the idea that people have a “choice” is choosing between products or goods that are indistinguishable. In which, people tend to indoctrinate themselves with these ideals that conform to a capitalistic ideology or capitalistic norms.
