1.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 is basically a group of institutions that keep order by using force or the threat of it. Althusser calls it “repressive” because these institutions, like the police or military, use physical power to control people and make them follow the rules. For example, when there’s a protest, the police might step in to break it up.

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

Ideological State Apparatuses are different because they don’t rely on force. Instead, they work by spreading ideas and beliefs to keep things running smoothly. These include schools, churches, and the media. They shape how we think about the world and what’s considered normal or acceptable. For instance, schools teach us certain values and norms that align with society’s expectations.

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 big difference between the two is how they control people. Repressive State Apparatuses use force and coercion, like the police or army, while Ideological State Apparatuses influence us through ideas and culture, like education and media. One uses physical power, and the other shapes our thoughts and beliefs.

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.

MEGA – “Make America Great Again” is a slogan that became really popular during Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign. It’s a good example of an ideological apparatus because it pushes a certain way of thinking about the country. The phrase makes people think about a time in the past when things were supposedly better and encourage them to believe in a specific vision for how the country should be.