Interpellation
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Interpellation
Interpellation is a concept developed by French Marxist philosopher Louis Althusser to describe the process through which individuals are "hailed" by ideological systems and come to recognize themselves as subjects within a given social structure. This process involves the internalization of societal norms, roles, and expectations, which are presented as natural or inevitable truths by ideological apparatuses such as schools, religion, media, and other cultural institutions. [1]
Terms Louis Althusser
Louis Althusser > Education, Ideological State Apparatus, Interpellation, Repressive State Apparatus, Ruling Ideology, State Apparatus, State Power, The State
Related LP Terms
Non-LP Related Terms
Notes
Process
Hailing: The act of being addressed by an ideological system, often in a way that feels personal and direct. For example, when someone hears "Hey, you!" and responds, they acknowledge and accept their position within that framework.
Subject Formation: Through interpellation, individuals come to see themselves as subjects—self-aware beings who exist within and contribute to the social order. This process shapes their identities, aligning them with the roles prescribed by dominant ideologies.
Naturalization of Ideology: Interpellation works to make societal norms and hierarchies appear natural, masking the power dynamics and inequalities that sustain them.
Reinforcement of Social Order: By "hailing" individuals into predefined roles, interpellation ensures the reproduction of the existing social and economic order, serving the interests of those in power.
Examples
Education: Schools interpellate students as obedient learners and future workers, reinforcing the values of productivity and conformity.
Media: Advertisements interpellate consumers by addressing them as individuals with specific desires, encouraging them to internalize consumerist ideologies.
Religion: Religious institutions may interpellate believers as moral subjects, aligning their behavior with specific doctrinal codes.
Citation and Legal
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Footnotes
- ↑ Althusser, Louis. “Ideology and Ideological State Apparatuses.” In Lenin and Philosophy and Other Essays. Monthly Review Press, 1971. https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/althusser/1970/ideology.htm.