Louise Althusser

Louise Althusser was a French philosopher known for his ideas on how society maintains control and stability. He believed that institutions like schools, media, and religion serve to shape our beliefs and behaviors, often unconsciously, to support the existing social order. This process, called *ideology*, influences how we see the world and our place in it, helping to reproduce social inequalities. Althusser emphasized that these institutions are not just about conveying knowledge but also about reinforcing dominant ideas, ensuring societal continuity. His work encourages critical awareness of the ways power and culture shape individual consciousness.