1 . A Repressive State Apparatus (RSA) is ant institution or system that use direct control, coercion, or force to uphold social order. These are basically organization that are involved in the actual physical enforcement of laws and regulation, such as the police, the military, courts, and prison. These institutions use direct physical force to repress people or organization who question the existing quo, Althusser refers to it as “repressive.” This term in this contact refers to their function of physically restricting or dominating individuals, typically by violence, incarceration, or punishment. The major purpose is to keep things in order by using force instead of persuasion. For instance, the military or police may use physical force to disperse a demonstration or detain someone for noncompliance.
2 . The system that use more subdued, convincing techniques to uphold the prevailing worldview in society are know as ideological state apparatuses, or ISAs. Schools, places of worship, the media, family units, and cultural standards are a few examples. In order for people to assimilate and embrace the prevailing ideology without necessarily requiring direct coercion, the ISA works to mold their ideas, values, and beliefs. By developing and propagating ideas that present the current social order as inevitable or natural, ISA operate. They influence how we see the world and uphold existing power dynamics. Even thought they don’t use force, they have a significant impact on making sure that people follow social norms and expectations.
A great example would be the the educational system, for instance, teachers students about ethics, history, and values that frequently coincide with the objectives of the state or a dominating group.
3 . Distinguishing Repressive and ideological State Apparatuses: The primary distinction between RSAs and ISAs is how they uphold power. Police, military, and prisons are examples of RSAs that use force and physical authority to enforce conformity, whereas ISAs use social institution and ideological manipulation to influence peoples views, values and actions
An overview of the distinction would be RSAs are forced-based, direct physical means of control. ISAs are idea based, indirect, and persuade mens of control. An example that demonstrates the distinction is;
A protester get arrested by the police for interfering with a demonstration (RSA). The public is gently persuaded that protests of the nature are hazardous or disloyal by the medias portrayed of the demonstrators as a threat to social order (ISA).
4 . An illustration of ideology would be if you were watching a luxury vehicle advertisement. The car is portrayed in the advertisement as a symbol of achievement , prestige, and ambition in addition to being a mode of mobility. The fundamental idea is that having an automobile like that will improve your social standing and show off your accomplishments.
Explanation: Since it is influencing people’s aspiration and views about success and prestige rather than coercing them into purchasing the car, this is an illustration of an ideological state apparatus at action. It encourages people to adopt the consumerism mentality and the notion that success in life is directly related to material prosperity.
