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The State Apparatus, which defines the State as a force of repressive execution and intervention ‘in the interests of the ruling classes’ in the class struggle conducted by the bourgeoisie and its allies against the proletariat, is quite certainly the State, and quite certainly defines its basic ‘function’.
Ideological state apparatuses (ISA), according to Althusser, use methods other than physical violence to achieve the same objectives as RSA. They may include educational institutions (e.g. schools), media outlets, churches, social and sports clubs and the family.
Jan 15, 2024 · Louis Althusser, a prominent French Marxist philosopher and sociologist, introduced the concept of the “ideological state apparatus” (ISA) as a key component in understanding the functioning of society.
Louis Althusser. The State Ideological Apparatuses. In order to advance the theory of the State it is indispensable to take into account not only the distinction between State power and State apparatus, but also another reality which is clearly on the side of the (repressive) State apparatus, but must not be confused with it.
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In this module, we will go over the basic tenets of Althusser’s argument—his conceptualisation of the State; the difference between ideology in general as opposed to ideologies; the various types of ISAs and their changing nature; the role of ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses in ensuring the reproduction of the relations of ...
Oct 5, 2023 · Althusser’s theory presents the state as a tool in the service of ruling classes, rather than as a neutral entity. He argued that ideology and state apparatus interact to ensure the perpetuation of capitalist rule.
The first is what Althusser calls the RSA, or Repressive State Apparatuses, that can enforce behavior directly, such as the police, and the criminal justice and prison system. Through these "apparatuses" the state has the power to force you physically to behave.
