Marxism and religion Flashcards
how do Marxists see religion
Marxists see all societies as divided into two classes, one which exploits the labour of the other. (R/C over W/C)
Those who own the means of production exploit the W/C.
In such a society, there is always the potential for class conflict and Marx’s theory of religion needs to be seen in the same context.
Whereas functionalism sees religion as a unifying force that strengthens the value consensus and is a feature of all societies, Marxism sees religion as a feature only of a class-divided society.
key terms
SOCIAL CONTROL
DOMINANT IDEOLOGY
HEGEMONY
FALSE CLASS CONSCIOUSNESS
Althusser state apparatus
R.S.A: Physical control through structures such as the Police and Judicial System. These control the W/C through threats/punishments of custodial sentences, fines, ASBOs, curfews and other physical means.
I.S.A: These structures control the way the W/C think and therefore behave in order to prevent deviant and/or criminal behaviour e.g. The Education System, The Family, The Media and RELIGION.
what does religion teach us about work
It is worth noting that, in Christian Teachings, Jesus had a day job: He worked as a carpenter.
And we are led to believe that his disciples were ‘Fisherman’.
In Islamic teaching, the prophet Muhammad worked as a Shepherd
religion and alienation
Religion is the opium of the people. It is the sigh of the oppressed.” –MARX.
Religion is an ideological weapon that legitimises suffering. E.G: according to Christianity, “it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle that it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Such ideas create a false consciousness- a distorted view of reality that prevents the poor from acting to change their situation.
religion and alienation: Lenin
Similarly, Lenin describes religion as “spiritual gin”- an intoxicant doled out to the masses by the R/C to confuse them and keep them in their place. It is a ‘mystical fog’.
conclusion
Overall, Marx sees religion as the product of alienation. It arises out of suffering and acts as a consolation for it at the same time!
It acts as an ideology that legitimates both the suffering of the poor and the privileges of the R/C.
It acts as a conservative force, preventing a revolution.
During the industrial revolution in England, employers used religion as a way of controlling their workers & keeping them sober.
In a classless society, there would be no need for religion!
NEO- MARXIST GRAMSCI- ‘HEGEMONY
Gramsci believed that the ruling class used ideas instead of coercion to maintain their position.
Hegemony = the way in which the ruling class are able to use ideas such as religion to maintain their position
evaluation of Marxists
Secularisation- In western Europe religion is in decline, suggesting it is no longer needed R/C power.
Functionalism: Ignores the positive side to religion and benefits everyone not just the R/C
Religion does not necessarily function effectively as an ideology to control the population. Abercrombie, Hill & Turner (2015): in pre-industrial capitalist society it only had limited impact!
Feminists: religion acts to preserve patriarchal power and not class oppression!
Gramsci himself recognised that hegemony can sometimes be seen through!
Religion as a radical force. Religion can be a force for change. The liberation theology challenge R/C power
social control
The methods used to regulate and limit the behavior of individuals and groups within a society.
dominant ideology
It suggests that societies are shaped by a dominant ideology that serves the interests of the ruling class or group.
false class consciousness
false consciousness is a term describing the ways in which material, ideological, and institutional processes are said to mislead members of the proletariat and other class actors within capitalist societies, concealing the exploitation and inequality intrinsic to the social relations between classes. As such, it legitimizes and normalizes the existence of different social classes.
the dominant ideology thesis and functions
-The ideology is often widely accepted and internalized by members of society, influencing their beliefs, attitudes, and behaviour
The dominant ideology serves several functions:
-legitimates and justifies the existing social order and power structures.
-It presents the status quo as natural, inevitable, and desirable, thereby discouraging challenges or resistance to the prevailing social arrangements.
Religion as an ideology (Marx on religion)
Religion promoted the idea that the hierarchy of society was unequal because this was Gods will
Promoted ideas that were aligned to the spread of capitalism- individualism, meritocracy and sacrifice
Inequalities were seen as being due to Gods will- the poor were sinners and the wealthy were righteous
Opium of the people (Marx)
Supernatural nature inequality promoted by religious organisations
Rewards for hard work would come in the afterlife which maintained the motivation of the poor to continue to work
Religion was the opium of the people- provides a temporary relief from the oppression of capitalism
