Ideological State Apparatuses

Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs), a concept by philosopher Louis Althusser, are institutions and entities that help shape our beliefs, values, and perceptions of the world. Unlike repressive state apparatuses (like the police or military), which maintain control through force, ISAs influence our minds and social norms through education, media, religion, family, and culture. They work indirectly to reproduce the dominant ideology, ensuring societal stability and continuity by shaping individuals’ ideas and comportments from a young age. Essentially, ISAs are the social mechanisms through which ideology is transmitted and sustained in everyday life.