Posted on by Tyrek

Tyrek Johnson – Discussion Board 3.2

A Repressive State Apparatus, as defined by Althusser, refers to institutions like the military, police, courts, and prisons that maintain control over society through force or the threat of force. Althusser calls it repressive because these institutions enforce compliance using coercion and violence. For example, the police use physical force to arrest and punish those who break the law, ensuring the state’s power through direct suppression.

Ideological State Apparatuses are institutions like schools, media, religion, and family that shape people’s beliefs and values through ideology. They influence individuals by promoting social norms making them feel natural. For example, schools not only teach academics but also reinforce norms like respect for authority, which supports the existing social order.

The difference between Repressive State Apparatuses and Ideological State Apparatuses lies in their methods. Repressive State Apparatuses maintain power through direct force and using authority to impose compliance through threats or physical punishment. In contrast, Ideological State Apparatuses maintain power through shaping people’s thoughts and beliefs, guiding them to follow societal norms. While one relies on coercion and physical power, the other operates through influence and persuasion.


The Image above represents Repressive State Apparatuses at work. Police are using tear gas and physical force to maintain control. The goal is to ensure compliance and ultimately stop protestors from resisting and being defiant by continuing their movement.

Posted on by Tyrek

Tyrek Johnson – Ideology

1a. Ideology is a network of beliefs, values, and ideas that make up the way individuals or groups in society perceive and understand the world around them. It influences people’s cognition, behavior, and interaction with people. In a political context, ideologies shape how people think about power, government, rights, and social order. Ideologies often influence political parties and policies.

1b. For example, Conservatives believe that the government should play a smaller role in people’s lives, particularly in the economy. They may advocate for lower taxes and fewer regulations on businesses, trusting that a free market can best determine economic outcomes.

1c. I understand ideology as basically a set of beliefs about how society should work and how the government should be involved in people’s lives. It includes ideas about things like the economy, individual rights, social values, and how power should be distributed. People with similar political ideologies often agree on key issues, like whether the government should have more or less control, how resources should be shared, and what kind of laws should be in place to protect society. Examples of political ideologies include conservatism, liberalism, socialism, and nationalism.

2. The difference between Conservative and Liberal ideologies in US politics is their views on the role of government, social issues, and the economy. The dividing line lies in Conservatives believing minimal interference from the government amongst individuals which promotes liberty amongst them. They also lean more towards traditional values. Liberals believe in a larger government and equality rights amongst individuals in society. A conservative politician might argue against universal healthcare, believing that it would lead to excessive government involvement in people’s lives, suggesting that people should take responsibility for their own health and that individuals should have the freedom to make their own healthcare choices. In contrast, a liberal politician might advocate for universal healthcare, believing that it’s a basic right that should be guaranteed by the government to ensure equality and fairness for all citizens. Suggesting the government should have the responsibility to step in and correct systemic inequalities, especially for those who can’t afford healthcare on their own.

3. Althusser defines ideology as a system of ideas that shapes how individuals perceive their roles in society. Including personal beliefs, he also believes institutions like schools, media, and churches reinforce certain ideas that support the existing power structures. For example, schools teach the value of hard work, obeying rules, and respecting authority because this will lead to success in society. This ideology will inevitably make up how individuals perceive and operate in society.