1.What is a Repressive State Apparatus? Why does Althusser call it “repressive”? Can we explain his choice of words here? Give an example.

*According to Althusser, the term “RSA” (Repressive State Apparatus) refers to organizations or systems that generally operate by using coercion and force. These establishments consist of courts, prisons, the military, law enforcement and other legal systems. They are known as “repressive” because they uphold a social order by disciplining or repressing people, or groups who oppose state authority through the use violence or the threat of it. In the video Althusser uses the word “repressive” because these institutions are used to try and control people by using force, such as military or police action to stop protests, punishment like imprisonment, execution , or any other legal authority that upholds social control. External control- forces that suppress particular behaviors or actions, mainly through direct physical or legal means is the main focus. For example, An “RSA” would be the police in a dictatorship, by detaining and occasionally physically assaulting those who show or challenge authority, they prevent and penalize disapproval.

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

*The ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs), function mainly through ideology as opposed to force, in contrast to the repressive State apparatuses. These are organizations or frameworks that shape people’s opinions, values and beliefs to suit the objectives of governing class. Schools, the media, churches, family units and even the creation of art or culture are examples of ISAs, ISAsv exert influence by influencing people’s Consciousness and beliefs making particular ideas seem normal or invitable in contrast to RSAs, who maintain control through coercion or physical violence as stated before.

ISAs function by assisting people in internalizing the state’s norms and values. For instance, schools reinforce appropriate behavior for kids within the current social and economic structure in addition to teaching academic material. In order to convince people to accept their roles within the status quo, media outlets frequently propagate prevailing ideologies that defend and legitimize it. For example, the educational system is a traditional ISA. In addition to academic subjects, it teaches social norms and roles like hierarchy, obedience, and competitiveness. By influencing how people perceive their position in society, these values support the status quo without resorting to overt physical force.

3.How are the Repressive and Ideological State Apparatuses different from each other? What is the difference between the two?

*The differences between “ISAs” and “RSAs” is how they exercise control over people is the primary distinction between Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs) and Repressive State Apparatuses (RSAs):

Physical force or coercion is the main way that RSAs (such as the police, military, and courts) operate. They exert control over people by punishing them or threatening to punish them for breaking the laws of the state. The objective is external repression in order to preserve order.

Schools, the media, and families are examples of ISAs that operate on the basis of ideology and beliefs. Without the use of physical force, they mold people’s perspectives and force them to share the values and beliefs of the state. By persuading people that the current social order is inevitable, normal, or natural, they uphold the status quo. In short terms RSAs act through direct power, while ISAs act through consent.

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.

*An Ideological Example: Is a movie called “The Pursuit of Happyness”, where the main character “Christopher Gardner” (Will Smith) battles poverty but is portrayed as succeeding due to his “right” work ethic, attitude, and determination. The movie reinforces the meritocratic ideology of capitalist societies by implying that determination, hard work, and individual effort can overcome all challenges. This is a representation of an Ideological State Apparatus (ISA) in action. Without addressing structural inequalities, the movie furthers the notion that success is entirely the product of individual effort, which is consistent with capitalist ideas of meritocracy and self-reliance. This reinforces the idea that the social system functions for those who “deserve” it.

1. The Repressive State Apparatus consists of institutions like the police, military, and courts that maintain social order through force or the threat of force. Althusser calls it “repressive” because these institutions enforce compliance directly, often through violence or coercion if necessary. Their role is to protect the ruling class by controlling behavior and suppressing the urge to rebel. For instance, when police break up protests or arrest activists, this is an example of the Repressive State Apparatus maintaining social stability by using physical power. Repressive State Apparatuses serve as visible and direct forms of control compared to more subtle ways that influence social behavior and thought.
   
2. Ideological State Apparatuses are institutions like schools, media, religion, and cultural organizations that influence people’s thoughts and beliefs. Unlike Repressive State Apparatuses, they don’t rely on force but instead work through persuasion and social conditioning. Althusser argues that Ideological State Apparatuses shape people’s understanding of themselves and the world to fit societal norms and maintain the status-quo. For example, schools teach students obedience, discipline, and respect for authority while presenting these behaviors as natural and necessary. By instilling specific ideologies, Ideological State Apparatuses ensure that people accept the social order without questioning it, which makes their role less visible but equally powerful.
   
3. The primary difference between Repressive State Apparatuses and Ideological State Apparatuses is their method of control. Repressive State Apparatuses maintain order through direct, physical force or threats, while Ideological State Apparatuses influence people’s beliefs and behaviors indirectly. Repressive State Apparatuses are more visible, using coercive means such as policing and legal systems to ensure compliance. In contrast, Ideological State Apparatuses work subtly, shaping how people think and act through institutions like schools, media, and churches. Althusser believes both serve the interests of the ruling class but operate differently to maintain societal stability. Repressive State Apparatuses handle resistance, while Ideological State Apparatuses instill ideologies that make resistance less likely in the first place.
   
4. Example – ideology
   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETxmCCsMoD0
   
   I chose to bring ABBA’s song ‘Money, Money, Money” as an example of ideology. This is of course Ideological State Apparatus and not a Repressive State Apparatus because it doesn’t use force or threatens it.
   The song is talking about a person’s dream and desire to be rich, but something is keeping them from achieving this goal:
   
   “I work all night, I work all day, to pay the bills I have to pay
   Ain’t it sad?
   And still, there never seems to be a single penny left for me
   That’s too bad”
   
   Whether it is because of taxes or low wages, the writer is complaining that although they work very hard to promote themselves in life and fulfill their dreams, the money they earned doesn’t stay with them for long. In both cases, it is criticizing the capitalistic approach to pay low wages for one’s work. Also, in capitalism, the rich portion of society are paying little to no taxes on their assets while the poorer portion pay more taxes in relation to their income.
   This is in my opinion a call for some sort of action to change the way society is treating those who work hard for their paycheck.

1. As covered in my DB #3.1 response, Althusser broke the system of ideology down into operating functions of “Repressive Apparatus” and “Ideological Apparatus”, both of which influenced people to accept and maintain the status quo. However let’s get into the “Repressive Apparatus”, It is one of the two tactics Althusser believed powerful institutions used in order to control the public, specifically through the threat of violence. The main usual threats of violence are the police, the courts, and prison. Althusser’s usage of the specific term “repressive” was extremely intentional, it highlighted the forceful nature of this tactic. These powerful institutions, like the U.S. government, use it to assert control over the public in order to maintain the status quo. One of the largest examples of a repressive apparatus would be the police, as they serve as the first point of contact between citizens and the criminal justice system. They enforce the laws and maintain order using the threat of punishment, their authority deters resistance and ensures the establishment of the status quo.
2. Due to fear not being the prime motivator for everyone, according to Althusser’s philosophy, the Ideological Apparatus was created to uphold the status quo for those who were unmotivated by force or violence. It was essentially designed to create the illusion of power and equality. This apparatus using institutions like education, politics, and media reinforced the status quo while making individuals feel as though they were making their own choices when in reality their perspectives and decisions were subtly guided to align with the dominant majority and by operating through institutions like education, politics, and media the Ideological Apparatus reinforced power structures while disguising control as a personal choice. Specifically, politics maintains the status quo by giving an illusionary choice, voters feel as though they are making independent decisions, but they’re selecting from predetermined options. Similarly, media offers an illusionary choice between indistinct commodities. And lastly, education is the most powerful institution as it is the only mandatory one, in schools children are blatantly taught reading writing, and math, however, they are subtly taught discipline and tactics which ensure individuals conform to societal expectations, once again reinforcing the status quo at an early age.
3. The Repressive Apparatus and Ideological Apparatus work hand in hand, as the Ideological Apparatus often steps in when the Repressive Apparatus fails to maintain control over the majority. There are key differences between the two, the largest being that Repressive Apparatus practices direct force and intervention while Ideological Apparatus utilizes subtle influence rather than direct force/intervention. The Repressive Apparatus uses direct force through institutions like the police, courts, and prisons in order to maintain the punishment as a control tactic. However, the Ideological Apparatus uses subtle influence, specifically psychological manipulation to shape the public’s perception. Through institutions like education, politics, and the media citizens’ beliefs and views of society are guided to align with the dominant ideology.
4. I’ve chosen America’s national anthem, known as the Star Spangled Banner which is typically performed at public events, this is an Ideological Apparatus as it does not practice direct intervention but instead uses subtle psychological manipulation to encourage unity and loyalty to the United States.

The RSA a better way of saying abuse of power? The RSA utilizes threats and force help things remain in order , to maintain power/control, and to enforce the law. As an example, 2020 when BLM protests broke out and police used major force to “settle” people down and regain control. This force was done in ways like pepper spray, flash bangs, arrests, and more.
Althusser uses the word “repressive” because RSA institutions gain power and maintain order by using direct physical force and threats to maintain order. They work to suppress opinions and thoughts to obedience and control over the people.

Isa also know as ideological state apparatus which uses logical ideas and culture to help shape beliefs , how things are dealt with, and better yet ways to maintain control without needing to use extensive force. As an example, parents passing down knowledge to their children teaching their children to do the right thing, follow the rules and working hard. The school system, social media platforms like TikTok that have many different political stances and information, the news, religious beliefs, and more help persuade people.

In my opinion they are both two different stances and I believe that sometimes the RSA should be used when dangerous criminals are hurting people but when it’s people standing for what they believe in what’s the point of it? Although they are different they align with one another being the RSA enforces obedience and the ISA just encourages people to willingly accept the government with choice. Which should be a normal thing , people shouldn’t be forced to do anything.

The image included connects to orange man we have in office who has beyond disrespected ones privacy, invaded, ones privacy and simply just went out of his way to hurt and disturb others by force and with threats for his own personal gain

1. A Repressive State Apparatus (RSA) includes institutions like the police and military that maintain control through force. Althusser calls it “repressive” because it uses coercion to suppress dissent and uphold the ruling class’s power. For example, police enforcing laws and arresting protesters exemplifies this idea, as it helps maintain the existing social order.
2. Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs) are institutions like schools, churches, media, and family that shape people’s beliefs and values to maintain the ruling class’s power. They work by subtly influencing how individuals think and behave, promoting ideologies that support the existing social order. For example, schools teach not just academic subjects but also social norms and values that reinforce the status quo, making people more likely to accept and perpetuate the current system.
3. Repressive State Apparatuses (RSAs) use force, like the police and military, to maintain control and suppress rebellion. Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs), on the other hand, like schools and media, shape beliefs and values to support the status quo through ideology. Essentially, RSAs rely on coercion, while ISAs rely on persuasion.
4. An example of ideology is the ‘American Dream’, which promotes the belief that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination. It’s reinforced by schools and media, shaping people’s aspirations in society. 

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.

1.What is a Repressive State Apparatus? Why does Althusser call it “repressive”? Can we explain his choice of words here. Give an example.  

Repressive state apparatus are a collection of state controlled institutions that use force or threats of force to maintain order and enforce the rule of law, control us through the threat of violence. For example courts, prisons, police precincts, cops judges are all examples.

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

Ideological State apparatus are institutions that prevent change to the status quo by indoctrinating us by priming and distraction. For example Schools, politics, and mass media. Their purpose to keep us in line with giving us the illusion we have a choice in order to settle our revolutionary impulses.

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 difference in the two are the techniques they use to control the masses. While repressive state apparatus is ruling by threat of consequence like use of physical force, incarceration and obvious to its function and purpose, Ideological state apparatus is more covert, it’s like subliminal mind control that we aren’t consciously aware is even happening.  

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.

Ideological apparatus

1. Repressive State Apparatus (RSA):

An RSA is a state apparatus of repression seeking to repel forces or impose order on disobedient or untamed subjects. Althusser refers to it as “repressive” because it relies on force, even on killing or serious bodily harm, to keep people in line with laws and rules; thus, RSA entails direct uses of physical power or violence. Police, military, courts, and prisons fall under the category of RSAs; they implement and subsequently apply rules against those who contravene the law, often through brute force or legal sanctions. 

Example: The arresting of a lawbreaker by police is straightforward RSA. The police use force on behalf of their laws.

2. Ideological State Apparatus (ISA):

The ISA refers to institutions that inculcate values and beliefs in people without direct coercion. They do so by implanting an ideal system that holds that the current social order is normal and natural. ISA includes schools, the media, the church, and the family. They tell us what is right and wrong and model our behavior, which, most of the time, leads us to conform to the establishment without physical coercion.

Example: In schools, children would be taught to Respect Authority and Obey Rules – a kind of ISA being put to work. Schools shape ideas about what acceptable behavior is in society.

3. Difference Between Repressive and Ideological State Apparatus:

The difference is that repressive state apparatuses (RSA) tend to apply force and violence to control individuals (police and military), whereas ideological state apparatuses (ISA) tend to control the same individuals without the use of force (schools and media). RSA is activated when the law is broken and punishes the offender; ISA works roughly by forming people’s minds to keep maintaining the status quo.

4. 4. Example of Ideology:

Example: An ad that sells a luxury item, like an extremely expensive car, that will make you successful and happy. This would be an example of an ideological

The apparatus at work influences peoples’ belief in success and happiness without violence, making people think that a good life has to be attained with the products.