A repressive state employs force and coercion, which is why Althusser describes it as “repressive.” These states use fear as a tactic to suppress the population and maintain order. An example of a repressive state apparatus is how the media emphasizes narratives that instill concern over Trump’s potential return to office.
On the other hand, ideological state apparatuses propagate beliefs through channels such as education, religion, and media. These apparatuses operate through school systems and media outlets, as they are integral and unavoidable aspects of daily life. As mentioned earlier, the media serves as a tactic to create and amplify fear.
The difference between repressive and ideological apparatuses lies in force, fear, policing, imprisonment, and the judicial system. Ideology, on the other hand, involves the methods used to implement these structures.
“The Communist Manifesto” is an example of an ideology. It originated in Russia as a political movement opposing the Western idea of capitalism.
