Marxism Flashcards
What did Marx view religion as?
He viewed it as an ideology and was apart of the superstructure of capitalism
What 2 ways did marx argue religion maintains capitalism?
Suggests that inequality is God given and therefore unchangeable
Teaches that poverty is a test from God, which will be compensated for in the afterlife id they accept their lack of power
what is a false class consciousness?
When the proletariat do not realise they are being exploited by the Bourgeoisie
How does Marx argue that religion creates a false class consciousness?
Religion tries to convince the Proletariat that inequality is normal and therefore makes them blind to the true extent to which they are being exploited by the Bourgeoisie
How did Engels compare Christianity to socialism?
Both targeted at the poor in hopes of a better life
Christianity promises salvation in afterlife - Socialism promises a better future
religion wouldn’t be needed in a communist state as their would be no inequality to justify
How did Marx argue that Religion is an “opium of the masses”
As the Proletariat feel alienation about their life and work, religion provides a temporary high by dulling the pain of oppression as it promised a better life in the afterlife and distracts them from their exploitation
Therefore religion acted as a way to stabilise society and prevent an uprising
How can Marxism be applied to Hinduism?
Hinduism has a Caste system and they believe that they are born into their Caste (similar to social class) based on actions in a previous life
Those in lower castes are seen as being punished by the gods and are encouraged to not question their exploitation with hopoe they will be rewarded in the next life
