- What is a Repressive State Apparatus? Why does Althusser call it “repressive”? Can we explain his choice of words here. Give an example.
According to Althusser, when it comes to repressive state apparatus this is where people are controlled by fear and violence. This is the use of military, police, governments, courts, etc. Althusser calls it “repressive” because it is more or less a control over people’s freedom. For example, in some states a person commits a crime. They are physically arrested by police. Taken to jail/ prison where they are physically confined until they go to court and stand trial in front of a judge who makes judgement about the next steps this person will face. This structure of things is what is set to help continue control over people.
2. Let’s do the same for the Ideological State Apparatuses. What are they, how do they seem to work?
When it comes to ideological state apparatuses this is where people are controlled by ideas. This is by the use of schools, churches, media, etc. For example, when you go to church or school you are given verbal speeches and imagery of messages they want you to understand and agree with. Like when it comes to church you are told that if you do evil things and disobey the lords word you will go to hell and if you are good you will go to heaven. As far as I know no one has physically been to either and live to tell us the story and provide evidence of it. But because of the mental notions that are place in our minds of course we would all choose heaven over burning for eternity in hell.
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?
In order to keep constant control there has to be constant structure all around, from our government to our schools. The main difference between the two of them is one of them creates control through violence and fear which is repressive state and one creates control through ideas which is ideological state. With repressive state there government has direct control of this and when it comes to ideological the state does not have direct control.
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