Comprehension

Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions based on it:

Althusser argues that no class can hold power for any length of time simply by the use of force. Ideological control provides a far more effective means of maintaining class rule. If members of the subject class accept their position as normal, natural and inevitable, and fail to realize the true nature of their situation, then they will be unlikely to challenge ruling class dominance. Physical force is an inefficient means of control compared to winning over hearts and minds. The maintenance of class rule largely depends on the reproduction of ruling class ideology. Thus Althusser argues that ‘the reproduction of labour power requires not only a reproduction of its skills, but also, at the same time a reproduction of its submission to the ruling ideology’. This submission is reproduced by a number of ‘Ideological State Apparatuses’ which include the mass media, the law, religion and education. Ideological State Apparatuses transmit ruling class ideology thereby creating false class consciousness which largely maintains the subject class in its subordinate position. In pre-capitalist society, Althusser sees the church as the dominant ideological state apparatus. In capitalist society it has largely been replaced by the educational system.

Which of the following is NOT an ideological state apparatus ? 

  1. Religion
  2. Media 
  3. Education  
  4. Class 

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : Class 

Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is - Class

Key Points

  • Class
    • Unlike other options, Class is not an Ideological State Apparatus (ISA).
    • ISAs are institutions that propagate the ideologies of the ruling class to maintain the status quo.
    • Class refers to a social stratification that is an outcome of economic factors, not an institution.

Additional Information

  • Ideological State Apparatuses (ISAs)
    • Concept introduced by the Marxist theorist Louis Althusser.
    • ISAs include institutions such as:
      • Religion - Churches and religious institutions.
      • Media - Newspapers, television, and online platforms.
      • Education - Schools and universities.
    • These institutions function primarily by ideology and secondarily by repression.
  • Repressive State Apparatus (RSA)
    • Contrasts with ISAs, functioning through violence and coercion.
    • Examples include the police, military, and judiciary.
  • Role of ISAs
    • ISAs help maintain the dominance of the ruling class by promoting its ideology.
    • They are more effective in controlling the populace as they work subtly through cultural means.

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