Althusserianism

Althusserianism is a perspective rooted in philosopher Louis Althusser’s ideas about how society maintains stability. It argues that social institutions—like schools, media, and government—serve as ideological apparatuses that shape our beliefs, values, and behaviors, often unconsciously. These institutions help reproduce the existing social order by influencing individuals to accept and internalize dominant ideas, preventing societal change. Essentially, Althusserianism emphasizes that power isn’t just exercised through laws or force but also through shaping our ideas and perceptions, ensuring the continuation of the current social structure.