The Global Impact of Western Ideological Superstructures upon Marginalized Communities in COVID 19 Regime: An Althusserian Perspective

Abstract

The present research is an endeavor to analyze the notion of ideological superstructure, in current scenario of COVID 19. The concept was presented by Louis Althusser in his essay "Ideology and the Ideological State Apparatus" (1970). This qualitative research aims at analyzing the condition of non-white communities/nations in the COVID 19 regime. Louis Althusser's insights on 'Ideology' with an underpinning of Antonio Gramsci's concept of hegemony will provide a theoretical framework to the research. Althusser in his book "Ideology and the Ideological State Apparatus" (1970) discusses the concept of ideology at length and maintains that how ideology is instrumental in operating people through two types of mechanisms that is RSA and ISA. ISA is somehow reminiscent of Gramsci's concept of hegemony and soft power. It has been observed that in the current situation, the Covid-19 pandemic has been used as a discriminatory tool by the western white supremacy to subjugate the non-whites linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. The article aims at exploring how COVID - 19 that has become a global phenomenon, is manipulated by the white supremacy to subjugate and undermine non-whites. It also aims to see how the disease works as a tool of hegemony to maintain and perpetuate the traditional power structure once initiated by colonial/imperial powers. Living examples taken from the current situation around the globe, related news and articles are used as text to support the analysis.

Keywords: superstructure, ideology, COVID 19, marginalized, ISA, RSA