marxist views on beliefs in society

Question 1

KARL MARX on religion

Answer 1

• “religion is the opium of the people” - it acts as an opiate to dull the pain of exploitation caused by capitalism
• it is used to control the working class by justifying their suffering
• it offers them the hope that they will be rewarded in the afterlife
• if they are obedient they will go to heaven/paradise
• religion creates a belief in supernatural power which man has no control over
• religion gives sacred support to the current social order - tis is the way god intended it to be. it legitimises inequality

Question 2

false consciousness

Answer 2

• a term used by marxists that describes a particular state of mind that prevents a person from recognizing the injustice of their current situation
• this distorted view of reality stops the working class from trying to change their situation

Question 3

religious examples to support marxism:

Answer 3

• christianity, judaism and islam are religions which offer the escape of heavenly rewards
• hinduism and buddhism teaches its followers life may be better in later reincarnations

Question 4

the communist utopia

Answer 4

• MARX believed religion would eventually disappear
• the social conditions that create the need for it would eventually be overturned (communism)
• truly liberated individuals have no need for religion

Question 5

LOUIS ALTHUSSER: religion as an ideological apparatus

Answer 5

saw religion as an ideological apparatus used by the ruling class as a way of protecting their ideas and interest.
this is done by:

• legitimises power and privilege = making it seem normal e.g. devine right of kings = justifies power of monarchs
• discourages people from attempting to change their situation e.g. hindu caste system
• inequalities can’t be challenged by the proletariat without challenge to god
• religion is also a mechanism of social control - keeps people in their place