1. Repressive State Apparatuses use ways other than physical brutality to reach the same goals as Repressive State Apparatus. Althusser calls it “repressive” because it consists of the army, the police, the judiciary, and the prison system. The video defines Repressive Apparatus as “which controls you through the threat of violence including police, courts, and prisons. But fear is not the primary motivator in most of our lives.” (5:15-5:25). For example, the army and the police represent and define repressive apparatus.
2. Ideological State Apparatuses functions by ideology. It is also ensured by the ruling ideology, the ideology of the ruling class. The video states that “Ideological State Apparatusesprevent change to the status quo and include schools, politics, and the mass media.”(5:44-5:53).
3. The Repressive and Ideological State Apparatuses are different from each other because repressive functions by violence but ideological does not, it functions by ideology.
4. For example, culture is consistently covered up in ideology which means that there is always beliefs and conducts that identify predictable outcome when culture grows in an organization. I believe that culture is an ideological state apparatus.
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.
4.
This is repressive stateThis is an example of ideological
Repressive State Apparatus controls people by fear and violence and favors the ruling class. Repressive State Apparatus is implemented by the prisons, courts, police, and the government. Althusser calls it “repressive” because those under the ruling class are controlled fear or violence therefor repressing them. An example if Repressive Sate Apparatus is the government making laws that are more lenient against white-collar crimes opposed to nonviolent low level crimes. Another example was laws against interracial marriage in the 1950’s.
Ideological State Apparatuses s per the video prevents change to the status quo. This uses other ways to control the society that doesn’t include fear and violence. This includes politics, schools, churches, and the mass media. An example of Ideological State Apparatuses is following the biblical word of the commandments word for word and if you don’t you are sinning and wont make it to heaven, this keeps people obedient. Another example is political, you’re given a choice but are limited by those choices.
3. Repressive and Ideological State Apparatuses are different from each other because one functions on violence and dominates intuitions by using other systems like police and presents to keep society at bay while the other functions on ideology. Repressive State Apparatuses operates on fear and then ideology whereas Ideological State Apparatuses operates on visualize their place in society and then by fear.
This is an image that represents ideological State Apparatus.
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 consists of the higher authorities: the army, the police, and the prison system. So basically it’s the act of persuading someone to do something unwillingly through force or threat. Althusser calls it “ repressive” because its acted on violence. Repressive meaning restricting the freedom of an individual or group.
2. Let’s do the same for the Ideological State Apparatuses. What are they, how do they seem to work?
The ideological state apparatuses works according to ideology. This is guaranteed by the ruling class ideology. The ISA prevents changes to the status quo, which includes schools, politics and the mass media. ISA uses calmer ways to accomplish what they need done instead of using violence.
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?
The difference between the two is that the ideological state apparatuses works by ideology and the repressive state apparatuses works using violence. As the RSA takes more of a threatening and forceful approach, the ISA is calmer.
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.
This is an example of repressive state apparatuses. Instead of the police trying to figure out whats going on in a calm manner, he threatens and aggressively approaches these people
A repressive state apparatus as mentioned by Althusser is the culmination of the entire prison system which would also include the police, the army and the judiciary. Althusser calls it repressive due to the fact that state apparatus functions on the fear of consequence by the law which is enforced through mental or physical threat.
2.
Contrary to a repressive state apparatus, an ideological state apparatus completely operates in a different way. Aside from violence, it is much rather believed to use sources such as educational institutions, sports clubs or even churches. It aims to have a much more civilized approach and not as repressive.
3.
Repressive and ideological state apparatus’ are different from one another. Repressive is based upon using the idea of violence and fear to bring order. An ideological state apparatus on the other hand relies on further developing it’s civilians through general resources or activities that may aid them in any way.
What is a Repressive State Apparatus? Why does Althusser call it “repressive”? Can we explain his choice of words here. Give an example.
Repressive state apparatus is the act of convincing someone to do something using threat or force.One or multiple people are in charge but disobeying or disrespecting thus person or people would result in the ‘force or threat’.One example would be a warrant. You did something that was illegal so now the police now have the right to break down your door, barge into your house and forcefully detain you.Or another example could be if you steal from a store the threat would be going to jail or having the police called on you.I believe he called it repressive because, as the word implies, it restricts someone’s freedom, which is exactly what this oppressive strategy is doing because you have some control over the individual getting the RSA treatment.
Let’s do the same for the Ideological State Apparatuses. What are they, how do they seem to work?
Althusser claims that ISA uses strategies other than physical force to accomplish the same goals as RSA. They could be the family, media sources, churches, social , and educational institutions.One example would be one mentioned in the video about school, coming late to class would result in the teacher threatening to call your parents.Or not showing up for work would later integrate into you manager telling you, you might not have a job tomorrow.
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?
The two are different because Ideological State Apparatuses operate by ideology itself whereas the Repressive State Apparatus operates by violence. ISA takes a more softer approach where RSA is more aggressive and fearful.
Post an example of ideology.
This is definitely an ideological apparatus at work because it shows the LITERAL hypocrisy world we live in. We live in a world where we can not have an opinion because ‘we want to be considerate to everyone’s feelings’ or whatever nonsense people want to believe. And if you do speak your voice and someone doesn’t agree with what you say, it’s “ How could you?!?!?!?! YOU GONNA GET CANCELED”. Like the clip 2:10, it shows a person upset over a tv show so they create a hashtag so that the show gets canceled… just because they found it “offensive”. He states how people shouldn’t, in this case shouldn’t attack and terrorize a tv show company because of their sensitivity.We live in a day and time where you have to satifise everybody or else you’re wrong.
1.) A Repressive State Apparatus is what controls you through the threat of violence including police, courts, and prisons. Essentially, it is to ensure that citizens are controlled through the use of force and even violence through any of these means. He called it “repressive” because the police, courts, and prisons are all means of restricting one’s freedom. For example, despite this being a way of striking fear into many people, it is actually supposed to be a motivator for people to remain honest individuals in society. But people wanting to be normal citizens of society and are accepted to belong within a group is just as much of a “motivator” as law enforcement.
2.) Ideological State Apparatuses prevents change to the “status quo,” or in other words, is a much more softer approach in correcting an individual’s wrongdoings and ensuring that one understands “right from wrong.” An example of this would be schools, politics, and the mass media. For instance, in school we are all given a schedule to follow everyday, rules to respect the building and staff, and etc… If you disobey the rules in any fashion, you will be disciplined with something like detention or suspension. This form of punishment is much like law enforcement in a way.
3.) Repressive and Ideological State Apparatuses are different from each other because despite them being both used as a means of disciplining individuals of society, they have opposite methods. Repressive State Apparatuses controls citizens through the use of force and even violence. The driving force behind this method are to use law enforcement officials and means such as police officers and prison. On the other hand, there are Ideological State Apparatuses which uses a much more “softer” approach in ensuring people remain upstanding citizens in society or the “status quo.” It believes the use of schools, politics, and the mass media can aid in one’s discipline because it teaches you “right from wrong” in it’s own way but without the force and violence like Repressive.
4.) My example of an ideology would be in regards to a video game that wanted to voice an important message. During the year of 2020, the COVID-19 virus had ravaged the globe and the United States had found itself as one of the many countries that dealt with the burden quite early. Considering how rapidly people were getting infected and the virus was killing people throughout the various states, the government had ordered people to stay home in order to combat the crisis. Unfortunately, the government could not reach everyone in a way that stood out and encouraged their behavior. So, many popular companies and brands that people loved very much had decided to post advertisements and post on social media to reach out. A prime example of just that was when the popular Japanese video game developer named “Capcom,” decided to use it’s popular video game franchise known as “Street Fighter” to advocate for such. They used their main face of the popular fighting game, known as “Chun-Li.” Not only is she well known throughout the gaming community which is large but the attire that is used is to express strength. Strength is something a lot of people needed to be reminded of throughout the pandemic. To ensure that this message was well received, they had posted it on the game’s website and on social media platforms such as Twitter. At one point the government had even tried to fine people as a means of staying home but using a video game character like her will reach a broader range of people. This is a form of “disciplining” people because it promotes the government’s wants in a softer approach than a forceful way by fines.
What is a Repressive State Apparatus? Why does Althusser call it “repressive”? Can we explain his choice of words here. Give an example.
1- A repressive State Apparatus is the use of police, the judiciary system in place against the people that fail to obey at the Ideological State Apparatuses. Althusser call it repressive because it is the last stage of punishment. It takes away freedom of people by punishing them when they do not accept authorities in discipline and rebelled. It consists also of detention and prison.
2. Let’s do the same for the Ideological State Apparatuses. What are they, how do they seem to work?
2- Ideological State Apparatuses are the use of methods other than physical violence to achieve the same goals when use the Repressive State Apparatuses, to make you accept authorities in discipline. They are schools, churches. They work in the sense that the lower class people is taught to behave according to the ruling class benefits, not in theirs, unconsciously. They make you believe that schools are mandatory for your growth while at Schools they not only teach you to read and write but they also force you to be disciplined. People are trained to respect and obey authorities but will be punished if fail to do so.
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?
3- I think Repressive State Apparatuses and the Ideological State Apparatuses differ in the following:
The authorities are different. For Ideological it is the schools teachers, church leaders and the Repressive is the judiciary system such as police, court, army and prison.
At the Ideological people are being taught on how to behave and obey. While the Repressive is the severe punishable consequences for disobedience of authorities.
The Ideological is a soft power while the Repressive is tough one.
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.
Ideological Apparatuses example: The Church forbids fornication. Some churches would condemn or reject anyone because of fornication. The supposedly sinner will faced disfellowship, which is a disciplinary measure against members who did wrong. That person cannot participate in communion and will be expelled from any privileged group they were part of.
1.What is a Repressive State Apparatus? Why does Althusser call it “repressive”? Can we explain his choice of words here? Give an example.
Althusser explains that the repressive state apparatus is an ideological concept that is used as a form of power controlled by violence. The Repressive State Apparatus is represented through prisons, courts, the police, the army, and other organizations that manipulate citizens with threats of brutality and aggression. This is why Althusser called it the repressive state apparatus, because these groups are designed to repress the population. These institutions have authoritative power over the citizens of their state and use their power to force the people to fall in line. The repressive state apparatus does not exist just for the purpose of enforcing; however, it is used to teach the citizens the ideology of their respective states and countries and make sure they follow the rules or suffer dire consequences. When a group of individuals or single individuals attempt to challenge the ideology of their state, the repressive state apparatus steps in to prevent their rebellion and these reactions are always violent. An example of this would be if you don’t follow the rules in school authorities step in and threaten you with detention, a trip to the principal’s office, a phone call to your parents, suspension, and even sometimes expulsion. Violence doesn’t always mean getting harmed physically but it can mean being stripped of your freedoms.
2. Let’s do the same for the Ideological State Apparatuses. What are they, how do they seem to work?
The Ideological State Apparatuses prevent change to present circumstances and are comprised of schools, politics, religious institutions, cultural groups, and the mass media. According to Althusser, the ideological state apparatus uses methods other than violence to accomplish the same things as the Repressive State Apparatus. Fear is not the key motivator in our lives. However, being considered normal, accepted, and being welcomed into a group are motivators that are just as powerful as violence. The ideological state apparatus does all the work so the police and the courts don’t have to intervene. The purpose of the ideological state apparatus is that you don’t need to think about the inequality that you may be experiencing. You forget about the injustices around you and don’t do anything to change or rebel against them. The only options you have are the illusion of choice between the status quo and the status quo. For example, this is like choosing between two political candidates who are seemingly different, but both have the same objective, to keep things as they are. According to Althusser, schools are the most essential ideological state apparatus. Initially it was the Church’s job to shape the minds of children, but today it’s the schools who teach children how to behave morally and ethically. They are taught how to behave, how to speak only when called on by their teacher, how to share, think, and act towards their peers, and not to go against the wishes of your authority figures. There is no true freedom in an ideological state apparatus.
3. How are the Repressive and Ideological State Apparatuses different from each other? What is the difference between the two?
There are many differences between the repressive state apparatus and the ideological state apparatuses. Although they both control citizens by using fear, the repressive state apparatuses, like the military or the police, compel its people into following the State’s ideology with the looming threat of violence. An ideological state apparatus like a church will generate fear amongst its members through the threats of being ostracized within the community. That fear of losing the sense of belonging is just as strong as the threat of violence. Places such as schools, the church, family life, and work, are institutions whose main function is to program people into accepting the State’s ideology. Different from the repressive state apparatus, the ideological state apparatuses use ideology and also operate while using repression. Therefore, people become compliant not through violence, but by the avoidance of contempt from their peers as well as embarrassment.
More differences between the two apparatuses include the fact that there is only one repressive state apparatus, violence. However, there are several ideological state apparatuses which extend throughout many aspects of culture. This is due to ideological apparatuses focusing more on the culture of their citizens, such as schools training their students how to think and churches telling their members what to believe in. To put it simply, the repressive state apparatus belongs to the people, or the state itself, whereas the ideological state apparatuses belong to private institutions such as schools, churches, and the family unit.
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.
I chose an image that depicts the liberal ideology of being pro-choice. The overturing of Roe V. Wade has not only profoundly affected me as a woman, but this decision has reversed a practice that has been essential for the health of women for nearly 50 years. This ruling by the Supreme Court has taken away the rights of women, reduced reproductive care, and dramatically impacted communities of color. The ideology of liberalism is centered around equality for all human beings. They strive to enhance public services, want a cleaner and healthier environment, defend the right to a higher minimum wage, the protection of laborers and their unions, social security, aiding the poor, the civil and human rights of an individual, and supports the government having a strong presence in the lives of citizens in order to protect people from harm.
Liberals are not anti-military but believe that the country should not pour so much money into them. The defense budget should be cut so they could put the money towards programs they consider more important. Liberals are fundamentality anti-gun, support a women’s right to choose, are pro-immigration, and equality for all genders, races, and sexual orientations. Liberalism and other political affiliations are considered an ideological state apparatus because by definition they prevent you from changing the present circumstances. They maintain the status quo by presenting you with two options that make you feel like you have a voice in society. However, the two political choices both have the same agenda and will not implement the changes the voters are looking for.
A Repressive State Apparatus is a state in which you get people to act against their interest. There are two parts to it, one of them is fear and the other is ideology. In order to do this one must use the control of violence by the usage of police, courts and prisons systems. But fear is not the part of this if you are a normal person that belongs to a group this also plays a factor into this as well. By the usage of the word violence he doesn’t mean in a physical way but rather in a mental way. By placing fear on someone and letting them know that their actions could possibly cause them to go to jail they may choose to not go down the wrong path.
An ideological state apparatus prevents change to the status quo which includes schools, politics and the mass media. An example of this is that in politics we see a status quo that gives you the choice so that you feel that you are contributing to the society and how things work. But today you have a choice between two different parties which you have to view as are you picking between the status quo or status quo. Regardless of the choice that you make it will not change anything. So an example of this would be elections regardless of who you may vote for the majority of the time we never see change happen.
The difference between these two states is that one is pushed by fear while the other is pushed by a group. To cause fear in one person by telling them that if they commit a crime that they will have to see a judge and possibly go to jail may scare them. By using such “violence” one can see that the actions will have a cause and effect. Whereas with ideological state apparatus we see this push in certain fields. We are taught in school that you need to obey authority and follow all of the rules. And when you don’t follow the rules there will be consequences to come from this.
Althusser believed that, in a modern capitalist society, two apparatuses worked hand-in-hand to control behavior. Working off of Marx’s definition of ideology, which described the ways that the ruling class prevented changes to the status quo in Feudal socities (namely through the Divine Right of Kings), he defined these new forms of control as the Repressive and the Ideological apparatuses. The Repressive uses fear and violence (police, incarceration) to keep people in their place and prevent revolution. However, the Repressive only exists as backup to the Ideological. The Ideological, called ideological because it is driven by the implantation of ideologies, ingrains the need for societal acceptance, as well as how to function as a capitalist subject, in order to prevent revolution and keep the status quo. It does this primarily through the public school system. Because school is mandatory, it is the most efficient way to train people from a very young age to function in a capitalist society. It pushes obedience over everything, with the threat of violence (detention) if someone steps out of line. This primes an organized and submissive population who believes that authority is inherently good.
If authority and discipline are not accepted, the repressive takes away corporeal freedom (the word repressive is defined as “inhibiting or restraining the freedom of a person or group of people”). In other words, to resist the status quo will result in state-enforced violence.
The difference between the two is fairly simple. The Ideological Apparatus is focused on sub-concious, constant indoctrination. It is not upfront about its intentions, to the point that many who enforce is do not fully understand what they are doing. On the other hand, the Repressive Apparatus is solely focused on the enforcement of the Ideological’s indoctrination; enforcement of submission to the status quo. The Repressive involves violence, while the Ideological “moves” in the shadows.
My example of ideology is the song New York City cops by The Strokes. It is an example of ideology in art and represents Ideological Apparatuses. It was written in response to the 1999 murder of Amadou Diallo by New York City police officers.
