Repressive State Apparatus is a form of control using fear and laws to push people to follow a specific ideology. It is referred to as repressive as it is used to prevent people from acting on their interest; it “represses” their impulse to go against the rules of society. The police and the courts are an example of Repressive Apparatus, as they use force to compel people in society to obey or there would be consequences. You are arrested for not following the rules of society, threatened by the idea of court or prison, and given write-ups or tickets for breaking even smaller laws. Repressing power by force to get you to obey the rules.
Ideological State Apparatuses focus more on shaping beliefs and values rather than threatening people. This allows individuals to develop an understanding of what social norms are and what is expected by preparing them. Ideological State Apparatuses use a system where it is mandatory for those to attend; it would reach their goals similarly as it would be repressive. An example of an Ideological Apparatus would be in the education system, as this space teaches discipline and respect for authority without the harsher punishments but that there are consequences and to prepare them to meet the expectations of them so they can settle in society. School creates an environment where learning is enforced through reward and punishment to shape their behavior, not without the need for threats but with a more subtle psychological effect to mold behavior and their minds that following rules brings rewards and to defy them creates consequences. Another example of this would be the medieval Catholic Church, as this space does teach the basics such as writing and reading as schools do. The Catholic Church deemed it appropriate for those to have discipline as the church transmits beliefs and thoughts and shapes the way you view the world.
The difference between Repressive and Ideological State Apparatuses would be the methods they use to spread their ideology and control. Repressive uses fear and threats of punishment to create suppression. Ideological State Apparatuses use rewards or create the opportunity through media for our need of belonging to be sated.
In the film 1984, the scene named Two Minutes Hate is a prime example of Ideological Apparatus. In this scene, a group known as the English Socialist Party uses the media to sway the minds of the people by using hatred and fear as a motivator in controlling behavior. By using visuals and audio commentary, they push the masses away from the party, hiding their true motives to a singular enemy, which the crowd yells out as Goldstein. They do this to instill hatred for dissenters, embedding the ideology that they are in the right and should be the only group to follow.