- Althusser proposed Appareils Idéologiques d'État (AIE), or Ideological State Apparatuses in English, which are social institutions that appear private but actually serve the ruling state, such as schools, families, and media.

- These AIEs subtly propagate the ideology of the ruling class, shaping people's thoughts and behaviours, thereby maintaining the existing social order.

- AIEs work alongside Repressive State Apparatuses (like the military and police) to form the state's system of control, but AIEs primarily function through ideology rather than violence.

Ideological State Apparatuses play a crucial role in shaping societal norms and values, influencing individuals' perceptions without their explicit awareness. Understanding their impact is essential for recognizing how power dynamics operate within society.