A Repressive State Apparatus is an apparatus used to impose fear of punishment to keep people aligned with the ideological norm of that society. Althusser calls it repressive because the “repressive” state apparatus may very well go against someone’s natural behavior and/or ideas. If a person is assaulted by someone, their natural response may be to hit them back and defend themselves. However, there some states that will convict someone unless they can prove that hitting back was there only option for survival. If the person had the chance to flee or call the cops, then they should have taken that option instead. The fear of being arrested and convicted of assault may deter someone from responding naturally by immediately returning the attack.

Ideological State Apparatuses are schools, politics, and mass media. These apparatuses create a sense of norm for society. It relies on people’s natural desire to be accepted. Therefore, a social norm is presented that most people will not deviate from. School is a state apparatus where children are trained to learn the norm of being obedient and submitting to certain rules and structure. As adults, this obedience and submission will be continued at work, religious institutions, and in almost every aspect of their lives.

Repressive State Apparatuses enforce the threat of fear with punishment and violence with police, courts, and prison. Repressive State Apparatuses are needed when someone deviates from the behaviors created and outlined by the Ideological State Apparatuses. Ideological State Apparatuses create and enforce the social norm through education, media, politics, and family.