Question
Download Solution PDFComprehension
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 In capitalist society it has largely been replaced by the educational system.
Subject-members take their position as :
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is - normal, natural and inevitable
Key Points
- normal, natural and inevitable
- In sociological and psychological contexts, subject-members often perceive their roles and positions as normal, natural, and inevitable due to social conditioning.
- This perception is shaped by societal norms, values, and expectations, making their roles seem unquestionable and inevitable.
- Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing how social structures and institutions maintain their stability and continuity.
- It emphasizes the power of socialization in shaping individuals' perceptions of their roles within a society.
Additional Information
- Socialization
- Socialization is the process through which individuals learn and internalize the values, beliefs, and norms of their society.
- This process begins at a young age and continues throughout an individual's life, influencing their perception of what is normal and natural.
- Institutions such as family, education, and media play a significant role in the socialization process.
- Social Norms
- Social norms are the unwritten rules and expectations about how individuals should behave in society.
- These norms help maintain social order by providing guidelines for acceptable behavior.
- They can vary significantly across different cultures and societies.
- Role Theory
- Role theory examines how individuals fulfill the expectations of their social roles.
- It suggests that people behave in certain ways based on the roles they occupy, such as parent, employee, or student.
- Understanding role theory helps explain why individuals perceive their positions as normal and inevitable.