althusser ideology definition
READING GUIDE TO: the chapter on Rousseau, Althusser L (1972) Politics and History, Part 2, New Left Books: London. Here, Althusser argues that ideology is a theoretical practice, which is locked in a problematic which defines both problems and solutions. The term interpellation was an idea introduced by Louis Althusser (1918-1990) to explain the way in which ideas get into our heads and have an effect on our lives, so much so that cultural ideas have such a hold on us that we believe they are our own. Interpellation is a process, a process in which we encounter our cultures values and internalize ... In the same way, but inversely, it is essential to say that for their part the Ideological State Apparatuses function massively and predominantly by ideology, but they also function secondarily by repression, even if ultimately, but only ultimately, this is very attenuated and concealed, even symbolic. Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses. Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses (Notes towards an Investigation) (original French title: Idéologie et appareils idéologiques d’État), is an essay by the French Marxist philosopher Louis Althusser. First published in 1970, it advances Althusser's theory of ideology. In other words, the school (but also other State institutions like the Church, or other apparatuses like the Army) teaches ‘know-how’, but in forms which ensure subjection to the ruling ideology or the mastery of its ‘practice’. A Reading Guide -- Althusser on Ideology. L. ALTHUSSER Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses (Notes Towards an Investigation) in Althusser L (1977) 'Lenin and Philosophy' and Other Essays, London, New Left Books. All the State Apparatuses function both by repression and by ideology, with the difference that the (Repressive) State Apparatus functions massively and predominantly by repression, whereas the Ideological State Apparatuses function massively and predominantly by ideology. Updated June 23, 2014. Definition: An ideology is a set of cultural beliefs, values, and attitudes that underlie and justify either the status quo or movements to change it. The culture of every social system has an ideology that serves to explain and justify its own existence as a way of life. Here is how one of my students from a past semester put it in her notes: ~Interpellation is the idea that we are bred to think, act and react in certain ways. ~We are interpellated from the day that we are born into specific roles that society has created for us. ~Girls being portrayed in magazines playing with dolls and loving the color pink is an example of gender role interpellation. Social Sciences. Definition: An ideology is a set of cultural beliefs, values, and attitudes that underlie and justify either the status quo or movements to change it. The culture of every social system has an ideology that serves to explain and justify its own existence as a way of life.
Althusser argues that ideology is a theoretical practice, which is locked in a problematic which defines both problems and solutions.