Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses (L. Althusser)

Ideology, in Althusser’s view, is a set of ideas and beliefs that shape how people see the world and their place in society. Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs) are institutions like schools, media, religion, and family that transmit these beliefs subtly, maintaining the existing social order without direct force. They help individuals accept and internalize societal norms, making them seem natural and inevitable. Through ISAs, ideology influences our thoughts and behaviors, ensuring that social inequalities are preserved by shaping our understanding of reality.