marxism,religion and change Flashcards
conservative, change or both (Marxists)
Marxists have generally been thought of as seeing religion as a conservative ideology-there to maintain and legitimate the inequalities of capitalism.
However, some Marxists can recognise religion can have a dual character and can sometimes be a force for change as well as stability.
conservative, change or both (Engels)
Engels argues that religion can both inhibit social change and challenge the status quo. E.G: although religion normally supports the status quo, lower levels of the clergy have often preached liberation from slavery!
ERNST BLOCH: THE PRINCIPLE OF HOPE.
Bloch also recognises the negative and positive effects of religion. As a Marxist he believes that religion helps to maintain the status quo but also believes that it can inspire protest and rebellion.
Bloch believed that religion was an expression of ‘the principles of hope’- our dreams of a better life that contain images of utopia (the perfect world).
Ernst Bloch
remain hopeful
The images of utopia can sometimes mislead people with a promise of reward in heaven, an argument similar to Marx himself.
However, Bloch also argued that religion could help people to see what needs to be changed in this world, which, if combined with effective political organisation and leadership, could bring about social change!
Gramsci: religion and hegemony
Gramsci argued that people in society have a dual consciousness. That whilst they are partly influenced by the ruling class through education, the media and religion and other institutions, they are also aware of their exploitation. E.G: the poor can recognise their poor working conditions.
In order for a revolution to occur and a communist regime to emerge, people were going to need to be guided by theoretical ideas. The working classes would need ‘organic intellectuals’ (clergymen) to help the W/C realise their situation.
Gramsci argued that there was evidence in history to show that religion has at times supported the interests of the working classes.
He therefore believed that religion had, and could in the future, challenge the ruling classes. Religious beliefs could be popularised and would help to support working class organic intellectuals to challenge the dominant ruling class ideology.
what is the liberation theology and what is it about?
A movement that emerged in the Catholic church in Latin America in the late 1960’s.
A strong commitment to the poor and opposition to military dictatorship. This was in complete contrast to the Catholic churches usual stance of supporting the wealthy and accepting poverty.
what factors led to the liberation theology emerging
1) Deepening rural poverty and growth of urban slums in Latin America.
2) Human rights abuses following military take-overs, such as torture.
3) The growing commitment among catholic priests to an ideology that supported the poor and opposed violations of human rights.
how did the liberation theology work
The Liberation theology had an emphasis on practical support. E.G: Priests helped to support people from oppression by using the protection of the church to create support groups called ‘base communities’. Priests also developed literacy programmes to educate the poor about their situation.
In the 1970’s Liberation theology had considerable influence.
liberation theology
however by the 80s
The Church’s official attitude changed. Pope John Paul ll condemned liberation theology on the grounds that it resembled Marxism and instructed priests to concentrate on pastoral activities, not political struggle.
Since then, the movement lost influence.
However, as Casanova (1994) emphasises, it played an important part in resisting state terror and bringing about democracy!
evaluations of the liberation theology
Maduro believe that the Liberation theology is evidence that religion can inspire social change.
However, Marxists argue that whilst the Liberation theology helped to bring about social change it did not threaten Capitalism!
Lowy uses the Liberation theology to question Marx’s view that religion always legitimates social inequality.
RELIGION AND FUNDAMENTALISM
Fundamentalism is an example how religion can both be a conservative force and institution that can lead to social change.
Key characteristics of fundamentalism…
Base their faith on the literal interpretation of sacred texts e.g. the Bible or Qur’an.
Believe that God will return to earth and either put the world right or bring about the end of the world.
Have a strong opposition to change, modernisation and robustly defend of traditional beliefs and morals. They have a strong desire to reshape the world.
Use modern technology and violence.
Who are the fundamentalists
Individuals that try to reinforce traditional values. They support social change to ensure that traditional values replace innovations taking place in society.
IRAN AND ISLAM (1979 REVOLUTION)
A further example of Fundamentalism can be seen in Iran. During the 1960s/ 70s the Shah (king) attempted to force westernised values on Iran by banning the veil & replacing the Iranian calendar with a ‘western-friendly’ calendar. Also due to the take over of capitalism, the divide between the poor & the rich increased.
In 1979 the Shah was deposed (overthrown) during a revolution which was partly inspired by Islamic fundamentalism. The liberation that was placed under the original Shah was reversed. Essentially, Islam became the focus for resistance to the Shah’s regime!
