Marxism, Religion And Change Flashcards
What does Engels mean by dual character?
Engels argues that although religion inhibits change by disguising inequality, it can also challenge the status quo and encourage social change.
What other theorists also sees religion as having a dual character?
Bloch
How does Bloch see religion? Give and example of this theory.
As an expression of ‘the principle of hope’. This means images of utopia can sometimes deceive people with promises of rewards in heaven. But it may also help people see what needs to be changed in the world. Religious beliefs may therefore create a vision of a better world, which, if combined with effective political organisation and leadership, can bring about social change. E.g UKIP or ISIS
What factors led to the emergence of the liberation theology?
- deepening rural poverty and growth of urban slums throughout Latin America
- human right abuses following military take-overs, such as false imprisonment, torture and death squash murdering political opponents, for example in Argentina, Brazil and Chile
- the growing commitment among catholic priests to an ideology that supported the poor and opposed violations of human rights.
What did the liberation theory set out to do and how did it do it?
Set out to change society.
Priests helped the poor to establish support groups, called ‘base communities’, and helped workers and peasants to fight oppression under the protection of the church. Priests took the lead in developing literacy programmes, educating the poor about their situation, raising awareness and mobilising support.
Wh created the idea that religion has dual character?
Engels
What does Casanova state about the liberation theology ?
The liberation theology played an important part in resisting state terror and brining about democracy in Latin American countries, most of which now have democratically elected governments.
What does Maduro believe?
that religion can be a revolutionary force that brings about change. In the case of LT, religious ideas radicalised the Catholic clergy in defence of peasants and workers, making them see that serving the poor was part of their Christian duty.
How does Gramsci explain hegemony and counter-hegemony?
hegemony: refers to the way that the ruling class are able to use ideas such as religion to maintain control. By hegemony, Gramsci means ideological domination or leadership of society. When hegemony is established, the ruling class can rely on popular consent to their rule, so there is less need for force.
Whereas, counter-hegemony means the working class develop an alternative vision of how society should be organised.
How does Gramsci describe organic-intellectuals?
educators, organisers and leaders. They help the workers see the situation they are in and support working-class organisations such as trade unions.
What three ways did Billings identify in which religion either supported or challenged the employer’s hegemony?
Leadership
Organisation
Support
Explain how textile workers didn’t benefit from leadership compared to miners
The miners benefited from the leadership of organic intellectuals - many of them lay preachers who were themselves miners and trade union activists. These clergy helped to convert miners to the union cause. Whereas Textile workers lacked such leadership, therefore they were easily influenced by their employers.
