Long read: Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses by Althusser- Explained

Thanks to the detailed coverage of political and economic decisions of world leaders in this age of information overload, we are not only able to get multiple perspectives on their decisions but also study the reaction of voters to these decisions. As we do so, the most interesting aspect of what we see is that political decisions which are clearly counterproductive – both ex ante and ex post – are greeted with enthusiasm by a large swathe of voters (think Brexit, think Trump’s tariffs). As a result, over the past few years many of us at Marcellus have wondered “Why do voters behave like this? Why do they re-elect leaders who do things which harm the economy?” A senior government official to whom we posed this question referred us to the works of French philosopher Louis Althusser (born October 16, 1918, Birmandreis, Algeria—died October 22, 1990, near Paris, France).

A legendary philosopher in the 1960s, Althusser produced a wide body of work but the specific strand of his work which is relevant for us pertains to ‘Ideological State Apparatuses’. Vinod Shukla has written a long article which simplifies Althusser’s philosophy for us. Althusser’s point of view is profound and deeply relevant to the world we live. We recommend that you read Mr Shukla’s article in full. In case you are too busy to do so, here is our summary. Mr Shukla explains:

“Althusser’s “Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses (Notes Towards an Investigation)” is a part of a larger essay “On the Reproduction of Capitalism”…published in 1970…

In the very beginning of his essay, Althusser introduces the Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs), a concept that along with the Repressive State Apparatuses (RSA eg. prisons, courts, army, police etc.) constitutes and perpetuates the State power. In order to understand how the state comes and remains in power, one must understand both – the Ideological State Apparatuses as well as the Repressive State Apparatuses.

He then proceeds to introduce and explain ideology, and how we are all subjects continuously shaped and controlled by it even when we feel that we are free. According to Louis Althusser, it is crucial to objectively understand how ideology works but is nearly impossible to do so because we all function within ideology without even realising it.” (Underlining is ours)

Mr Shukla then delves deeper into RSA and ISA: “Althusser highlights that a state remains in power through both the Repressive State Apparatuses (RSAs) and the Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs).

According to the Marxist theory, the State Apparatus only includes- the Government, Army, administration, police, prisons, courts etc. Althusser refers to these as Repressive State Apparatus. This is because these apparatuses ultimately operate and control through physical violence.

However, along with the RSAs, there exists another reality that is not as visible. It is known as the Ideological State Apparatus (ISAs) and it is distinct from the repressive state apparatus. The ISA includes seven major components:

Religion/religious institutions such as the Church, temples etc
The educational system
Family
Legal and political system
Trade union
Communications – press, radio, television
Culture – Literature, Arts, sports etc….

Althusser now attempts to explain the differences between the Ideological State Apparatuses and the Repressive State Apparatuses.

ISA was Althusser’s big idea. He was able to think about how ideology works and impacts society in a highly original way. Mr Shukla explains: “The advertising industry in India is an important Ideological State Apparatus. It can influence and even shape our societal values, desires, and consumer behaviours. Conventional advertising promotes ideologies of consumerism, success, and lifestyle aspirations. This directly dictates how we perceive ourselves in society. For instance, owning an iPhone is considered a symbol of financial superiority and is bought by the majority due to the superior connotations that accompany the brand…

Cinema is another important Ideological State Apparatus as it influences our behaviour and values….Since cinema is an Ideological State Apparatus (ISA), it is a site of class conflict. While mainstream Bollywood produces movies that reinforce traditional values, consumerism, aspirational lifestyle, casts popular actors and celebrities, and creates movies that align with global entertainment trends…”

Understanding Althusser helps us understand how millions of voters can be compelled to do irrational things for decades on end. Eg. We have been conditioned to believe in India that studying for Joint Entrance Exams is a logical thing to do in our teens & 20s. As a result, you have millions of Indians sitting for UPSC exams year after year even though no more than a few thousand people actually get jobs. Some Indians spend the entirety of their 20s sitting for these exams. They have been conditioned by the ISA into believing that this is the best route to a better life.