1. In the reading titled, “Wealth and Want” the writer says that when you are apart of the owning class you live off of investments such as stocks and bonds. Your income is very large and comes from the labor of other people. For example, the people who own and invest in a company like Uber make their profit off of the drivers who work for the company. When you are an employee who belongs to the working class, your income comes from your own labor. This labor has the potential of being exploited by the owner/owning class. For example, as an employee at Uber, you make your money through being a driver and/or courier. You will only see profit if you make a delivery or picking someone up. You also will not see the full amount the customer is being charged.
2. In the quote by Adam Smith, he is simply saying that the true value of something is the labor that was required to make it. The labor give the product its value, not the price/money.
3. I agree with the argument that class isn’t your identity. Class is another way for people to be put into small boxes and attach stereotypes to them. Class has the ability to either hinder your life with adversity or make your life easier. It can absolutely be something that is apart of the shaping of your identity but not the entire thing.
4. The argument “class structures are built around a close form of dependency” means that social classes are built around the needs of the people in it. For example, when you live in NYC you notice that many people who live in certain apartment buildings have constant changes in landlords and owners of their building. The landlord can increase the rent to bring in a wealthier group of people and push out the “poor”. The rent increases are too high to maintain, which can force the resident to seek government assistance such as section 8 or food stamps, or will force them to move into subsidized housing. This form of housing and government assistance allows residents to become completely dependent on them and keeps them poor so that they meet the criteria for these benefits. Their neighborhoods that are filled with violence don’t promote education or have adequate job opportunities. This keeps people who are poor, mentally ill, and homeless away from luxury buildings and wealthy neighborhoods they can’t afford.

1. A Repressive State Apparatus is a concept developed by Louis Althusser. The ruling class creates and maintains order by creating fear through institutions such as jail/prison, court, police, and the military. It creates the fear of punishment. For example, during the 1960’s the Commissioner of Public Safety in Birmingham, Alabama named Bull Conner sent the Birmingham Fire Department to stop a civil rights protest. He ordered them to use dogs and fire hoses to get the protesters out of the street simply because he didn’t agree with the fight to end segregation. He abused his power and used state power to maintain the status-quo.
2. An Ideological State Apparatus is also a concept developed by Louis Althusser. These are the institutions within society that mold the public’s beliefs, views, and values. This is done through schools, churches, and media. For example, after 9/11 there was a new influx of fear and prejudices against Muslims in America. This lead to Muslims being portrayed as violent terrorists in media and politicians calling for a “muslim ban” which would prohibit Muslims from both entering and living in America. These ideologies were spread through Ideological State Apparatuses which influenced how Americans viewed Muslims and produced ignorant stereotypes.
3. The Repressive and Ideological State Apparatuses are different from each other because of their approach. The Repressive State Apparatus uses fear and maintains order through physical force. The Ideological State Apparatus persuades the public and influences the public’s values and opinion.

This is an example of an Ideological State Apparatus. The entire slogan “Make America Great Again” promotes nationalism and embodies patriotism. This influences people to support the movement because when you become a supporter, you are actively making America “great”.

1. In my opinion, ideology is a set of values and beliefs that people believe and follow. This can include religion, politics, the economy, and much more. Ideology can act as the foundation of many things such as a home or country. I am a democrat and the decision to be one is due to growing up in a household with parents who have liberal views and opinions. Another example of ideology is Saudi Arabia’s laws being formed through the lens of Muslim ideology. Many of the country’s laws and punishments derive from the Quran, the holy book of Islam.
2. The main difference is conservative and liberal ideology in U.S politics is their view of what America should look like. Conservative ideology is rooted in Christian values. People who align with conservative ideology believe that America should stick to many traditional (outdated) views and laws. Conservative ideology aligns closely to the core values of the Bible such as family and justice. Liberal ideology is rooted in freedom for all. People who align with liberal ideology believe that we should all be considered equal in America regardless of race, religion, or economic status.
3. Louis Althusser’s definition of ideology is that it is a set of beliefs that are there to keep the public in line and keep the government/ruling class in power. Althusser developed two concepts, “Repressive State Apparatus” and the “Ideological State Apparatus”. The “Repressive State Apparatus” is how the ruling class maintains control and order. This can create the fear of disobeying any rules and not questioning authority. For example, this includes the police, military, and prison. The “Ideological State Apparatus” is how the public and their views are influenced. This shapes how people view the world around them. For example, this can include church, school, and the media you see/engage with on a daily basis.