BELIEFS Marxism Flashcards
Karl Marx : Marxism + Religion
Claims religions are made up of belief systems that distorts peoples perception of reality (in favour of the ruling class)
Marxist claim that religion is used by the powerful to to trick the working class that their position in society is God given. (that God wants this for them and they will be rewarded in the afterlife)
False consciousness - a way of thinking that ensures the poor accept their position and do not challenge the rich.
legitimates the power and privilege of the ruling class as it teaches it was given by god.
Marx : Alienation
Involves becoming separated from or losing control of something that you have created.
Capitalism, workers have no control over what they create nor do they own it. JUST FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS.
Because of this people turn to religion to find a sense of purpose.
Marx - ‘opium of the masses’ - means that it acts as a drug to dull the pain of expliotation.
religion offers promises of an afterlife and rewards which distracts people form their currunt suffering.
