Power and Political Ideologies
A Repressive State Apparatus, as formulated by Althusser, is an institution that “functions massively and predominantly by repression, while functioning secondarily by ideology” (80). He points to the impossibility of any kind of state apparatus operating on either a purely ideological or a purely repressive level. The two modes complement each other. He uses the military as an example, an institution whose repressive element I’m currently entangled in. The Finnish Army sends me a letter every year that mandates my attendance of six months’ army training. Every year until I’m thirty-something I have to provide proof that I’m either in school here or employed. While compulsory military service is less of a concern for Americans, other state apparatuses impose their repressive elements on them. Althusser points out that while schools operate mainly through ideology (the ideology that a future as a respectable member of society is dependent on education), it has its repressive elements. This Donald Duck cartoon from 1941 shows the repressive arm of mandatory public education.
Althusser also speaks of the individual’s obligation to engage in practices and rituals that art consistent with that individual’s ideology. For instance, “if he believes in God, he goes to Church to attend Mass, kneels, prays, confesses, does penance, and naturally repents and so on” (82). Individuals who act differently than what is expected of them for their proclaimed beliefs, are “either ‘inconsistent’ or cynical, or perverse” (82). I’d venture that most college students are familiar with the ideological dilemma of knowing the importance of education and a good work ethic, and still not being able to get stuff done.
Durham, Meenakshi G., and Douglas Kellner. Media and cultural studies keyworks. 2nd ed. Malden, MA: Blackwell, 2006
