Althusserian Marxism

Althusserian Marxism, developed by Louis Althusser, emphasizes that society reproduces its economic class structure through ideological systems like education, media, and religion—called "ideological state apparatuses." These institutions shape people's ideas and beliefs, making them accept and perpetuate existing class inequalities unconsciously. Unlike traditional Marxism, which focuses on economic production, Althusser highlights how ideology maintains social order through these institutions, blurring the lines between conscious control and unconscious influence, and arguing that revolutionary change involves transforming not just the economy but also these ideological structures.