What is a Repressive State Apparatus? Why does Althusser call it “repressive”? Can we explain his choice of words here? Give an example.

A Repressive State Apparatus (RSA) refers to institutions that enforce power and control primarily through force, coercion, and repression. According to Althusser, the state uses RSAs to maintain order and enforce the ruling ideology, often relying on physical violence or the threat of it. These institutions include military, police, prisons, and the judicial system, all of which can force people into obedience through punishment or intimidation. Althusser calls it “repressive” because these institutions use direct means to control people-whether thorugh laws, arrests, or physical force. He makes this distinction to highlight the tole of state violence in maintaining the status quo. Unlike ideological control, which is subtle and based on persuasion, repression works through explicit dominance. 

An example of an RSA would be law enforcement’s role suppressing protests. If people gather to demand social change – like the Civil Rights Movement or Black Lives Matter protests – the police may use tear gas, mass arrests, or even violence to disperse them. This is a clear example of how RSAs function to keep the existing power structure intact. 

What are Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs), and how do they seem to work?

Unlike Repressive State Apparatuses, Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs) operate through persuasion rather than force. They shape how people thinkg, behave, and perceive reality in a way that reinforces the dominant ideology of society. Althusser identifies institutions such as schools, churches, media, family, and cultural systems such as schools, churches, media, family, and cultural systems (like literature and movies) as ISAs:

ISAs work by instilling beliefs and values that make people willingly accept the status quo. Instead of using force, they shape people’s worldview in ways that benefit those in power. For example, schools teach obedience, respect for authority, and the idea that success come from individual hard work rather then systemic privilege. Religion, too, can be used ideologically – by promoting ideas like “everything happens for a reason” or “accept your place in life” which discourage people from challenging oppression.

A great example of an ISA in action is mainstream media’s portrayal of wealth and poverty. Many TV shows and news programs frame poverty as a personal failure rather than a structural issue. This encourages people to blame individuals from their economic struggles rather than questioning economic policies or corporate greed. 

How are Repressive and Ideological State Apparatuses different from each other? What Is the difference between the two? 

The main difference is between RSAs and ISAs is how they enforce power. 

Repressive State Apparatuses (RSAs) rely on force, punishment, and direct control. They function through institutions like the police, the military, courts, and prisons, which can legally harm, imprison, or kill individuals who do not comply with the dominant system.

Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs) function more subtly by shaping beliefs, values, and consciousness. Instead of using violence, they maintain control by influencing education, religion, media, and vulture to ensure that people willingly accept and internalize the ruling ideology. 

A key difference is that RSAs operate openly and visibly – if someone is arrested, beaten, or censored, the repression is clear. ISAs work behind the scene, shaping people’s thoughts so they don’t even realize they are being influenced. For example, imagine a protest against corporate corruption. If the police arrest and beat protestors, that is an RSA in action. If the media then portrays the protestors as violent anarchists, discouraging public sympathy, that is an ISA at work. The first uses force; the second manipulates perception. 

Example of Ideology/specify it represents repressive or ideological apparatuses 

One example of an ideological apparatus at work is the “American Dream” narrative often promoted in movies and media. Films like The Pursuit of Happiness (2006) emphasize the idea that anyone, no matter how poor, can succeed through hard work and determination. This reinforced the idea that systemic inequality isn’t real or doesn’t matter – that failure is a personal issue rather than a societal one. This example represents an Ideological State Apparatus (ISA) because it persuades people to believe in a meritocratic system, even when real-world economic conditions show that wealth is often inherited, and opportunities are not equally distributed. By promoting this ideology, the media discourages people from questioning or resisting economic inequality. A Repressive State Apparatus (RSA) example could be the use of riot police during labor strikes. When workers organize for better to break up strikes, sometimes using tear gas, arrests, or physical force. This is a direct physical repression of dissent and serves to maintain corporate and state power. 

1.The Repressive State Apparatus (RSA) intends to enforce compliance among the masses as a utilitarian authority, promoting a uniform mindset within the general population. Its primary goal is to ensure adherence to government-endorsed policies that enforce social obedience through conformity to laws and behavioral expectations. These regulations are upheld by institutions such as the military, the police forces, law enforcement agencies, and the prison system. These systems are designed to maintain control and promote what is deemed “corrective” behavior to ensure social order, often referred to as domestication. 

For instance, if an individual chooses to break free from these lawful constraints and seeks to regain their sovereign rights, or if they violate the laws applicable to U.S. citizenship, they may face severe repercussions. Potential consequences can include monetary fines, imprisonment, or social ostracism, where they may be labeled as a terrorist or extremist. The apparatus ensures that any act of resistance is not only discouraged but actively penalized, safeguarding the stability and continuity of social order.

Althusser refers to the term “repressive” to expose the characteristics of this specific apparatus. It relies on coercion, force, and punitive measures to maintain state control and suppress opposition. This distinguishes it from ideological mechanisms, which influence behavior through cultural and social norms. As a fellow Marxist, Althusser opposed repressive State Apparatus systems. He believed that societies maintain control over people not just through force (repressive methods) but also by shaping their beliefs and values (ideological methods). His theory argues that for the ruling class (Status Quo)to maintain its dominance, two key types of apparatuses are used: The Repressive State Apparatus, which was already explained, and the more subtle approach known as the Ideological State Apparatus, commonly used in schools, religion and educational systems.

2. Ideological State Apparatuses, play a significant role in shaping how we view ourselves and the world around us. They promote certain ideologies that reinforce the existing social order and economic systems. One of their key functions is to establish what is deemed “normal” or acceptable behavior, which often aligns with dominant cultural and moral values, particularly in areas like work, family roles, and obedience to authority. ISA’s also work to legitimize authority by fostering a belief that our current political, economic, and social systems are both just and natural, which in turn lessens the inclination for rebellion or resistance among individuals.

3.In Addition , they operate through various channels such as education, media, religion, and culture, subtly encouraging compliance with social expectations. For instance, schools do more than just impart academic knowledge, they also instill lessons on social obedience, discipline, and respect for authority. Its purpose intends to contribute to maintaining class structures by promoting ideologies that favor the ruling class, thereby discouraging social mobility. Consequently, unlike the Repressive State Apparatus ISA’s function through voluntary compliance rather than physical force, with individuals often internalizing these ideologies without fully realizing it. The role of ISA’s technology in this programming appears to influence one’s mental faculties, subtly diminishing personal autonomy in exchange for sacrificing individual rights to uphold the “status quo.”

One great example of how schools embody the concept of ISA is in their everyday practices. Schools don’t just focus on subjects like math, science, and history; they also play a vital role in teaching important life skills such as social obedience, respect for authority, and the values of hard work and punctuality. The daily school routine, complete with schedules, rules, and expectations for student behavior, closely resembles the way the work environment operates in the wider community.

The curriculum is then crafted to reflect the dominant cultural and economic values upheld by those in power. For example, the focus on standardized testing, conformity, and merit-based rewards encourages students to adhere to established rules. This system reinforces the idea that those who “work hard”, essentially those who follow the rules, are the ones who get ahead, while those who struggle to conform may unfortunately fall behind.

In the episode “Fifteen Million Merits” from Black Mirror, the society shown relies on media and entertainment to keep people in check, making it a great example of Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs) in action. The media serves as an Ideological Tool: the characters live in a world where media, especially TV, is a huge part of shaping their beliefs and behaviors. The main guy, Bing, spends most of his life cycling to produce energy and earn merits. He can use these merits for different forms of entertainment, particularly watching TV shows, which help condition people to fit into societal expectations.

1. Repressive state apparatus is a set of institutions that enforce cooperation through violence. Examples of this include jail, military, death and war. Althusser calls it repressive because it restrains our freedom through fear. We are taught from very young that we must behave a certain way, or not behave a certain way to avoid going to prison, or even dying.
2. Ideological state apparatus is a set of institutions that enforce cooperation through coercion. Examples of this include schools, religion, race, economic status etc. These systems are all set in place so that you internalize ideology and in turn stay in line. This also includes democratic apparatus in which you are given the illusion of responsibility to society by voting, and state apparatus, the mandatory schooling system in which the youth are mandated to be to teach them discipline, structure and maintain social and economic order
3. Repressive and Ideological state apparatus are different in nature but in the end have the same goal. Repressive state is more harsh and matter of fact, there is usually a direct cause and effect there. An example of that would be if you assault someone you will go to jail. Nobody wants to loose their freedom so many follow the laws. This is keeps social order. Ideological state apparatus is not as direct but instead gives people the illusion that they are choosing to do the right thing and follow by the law when repressive state apparatus fails. Take the same example of assaulting someone but now add religion into it. Someone who is religious is less likely to assault someone because they are now breaking moral code of conduct.
4. The picture below is an example of an ideological apparatus due to given the illusion to people of having a responsibility to society and to vote. The illusion of choosing a candidate that aligns with their own ideologies.

1.A repressive state apparatus is made up of organizations that maintain control and enforce rules, often using violence or force. This group includes the police, military, prisons, and courts. Althusser refers to them as repressive because they primarily rely on force to ensure that people adhere to the strict regulations of the system. A clear example of this is when the police intervene in protests, demonstrating the power of the repressive state apparatus. Even if a protest is peaceful, the presence of the police serves as a reminder that they have the authority to use force if necessary.

2.ISAs exist within groups that influence individuals thoughts, beliefs, and identities, leading them to embrace the system voluntarily rather than feeling forced. They achieve this by assigning specific roles to individuals, allowing them to comprehend the system independently rather than being pressured into it.

3.The repressive state apparatuses (RSAs) and the ideological state apparatuses (ISAs) are quite different in how they operate. RSAs rely on force, intimidation, and strict measures to maintain control. Examples of RSAs include the police, military, courts, and prisons, which often use violence and punishment to uphold authority. In contrast, ISAs work through ideas and beliefs, influencing people in more subtle ways. They can be found in places like schools, religious institutions, and families, where they shape beliefs and values through education. ISAs maintain their influence by encouraging individuals to adopt certain ideas willingly. In summary, while RSAs demand respect through control and fear, ISAs promote a sense of freedom that leads people to accept the system on their own terms.

4.https://youtu.be/tC7nNc75Hpc?si=wWJPqtDUP6XBwj3T

Above is an example of ISA because it persuades individuals to see the military as honorable and brave. It does not force anyone to join the military, but it makes people think about joining the military as within choice.

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Okay, let ‘s go to the questions, consider the following:

1. What is a Repressive State Apparatus? Why does Althusser call it “repressive”? Can we explain his choice of words here. Give an example.

2. Let’s do the same for the Ideological State Apparatuses. What are they, how do they seem to work?

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?

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.

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