A Level Sociology OCR Practice Exam

What concept refers to how capitalists control the thoughts of working-class individuals?

1. Ideological State Apparatus

2. Cultural hegemony

3. False consciousness

4. Social stratification

The correct answer is: Ideological State Apparatus

The correct answer emphasizes the concept of Ideological State Apparatus, which refers to institutions and systems that propagate the ideology of the ruling class and thus help maintain their control over the working class. This includes schools, media, religious organizations, and other societal structures that shape the beliefs and behaviors of individuals. By influencing what the working-class individuals think and believe, these institutions ensure that the existing power dynamics and societal hierarchies remain largely unchallenged. In contrast, cultural hegemony describes a broader theoretical framework developed by Antonio Gramsci, which indicates how dominant groups maintain their power not just through coercion, but by securing consent and acceptance of their values by subordinate groups, thus shaping a collective worldview without overt force. False consciousness, while closely related, specifically refers to a state where the working class is unaware of their exploitation and true societal conditions, leading them to adopt beliefs that contradict their actual best interests. This concept emphasizes an internalized perception influenced by the ruling class, but doesn’t specifically focus on the institutions involved in shaping thought. Social stratification pertains to the hierarchical arrangement of individuals within society based on factors such as wealth, race, and education, but it does not directly address the mechanisms through which control over thought is exerted