Marxist theory of beliefs

Question 1

Define hegemony

Answer 1

Gramsci- the dominance of ruling class ideas in society over others who accept and consent to these values

Question 2

Define “dominant ideology”!

Answer 2

ideas or beliefs of the bourgeoisie which are apparent throughout society

Question 3

Define false consciousness

Answer 3

workers are not aware that they’re being oppressed, do not know their revolutionary power= class in itself

Question 4

Define alienation

Answer 4

the process whereby the worker is made to feel foreign to the products of his/her own labour

Question 5

What are Marxist’s overall theory of religion?

Answer 5

• religion is a feature of a capitalist society
• acts as a conservative force-> maintains social solidarity and social stability, protecting trad values
• religion isn’t needed in communist societies (CRIT- present in USSR even when state put limit on religion