Marxists and feminism Flashcards
What do Marxists believe about society?
Marxists see society as divided into two classes: the bourgeoisie, who exploit the labor of the proletariat. They view religion as a feature of class-divided society, which will disappear in a classless society.
How does Marx define ideology?
For Marx, ideology is a belief system that distorts people’s perception of reality to serve the interests of the ruling class.
What role does religion play as an ideological weapon according to Marx?
Religion legitimates the suffering of the poor as inevitable and god-given, misleading them into believing their suffering is virtuous.
What is an example of religion creating false consciousness?
According to Christianity, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
This idea misleads the poor from acting to change their situation.
How does religion legitimize the power of the dominant class?
Religion makes the position of the dominant class appear divinely ordained, such as the Divine Right of Kings, which claimed kings were God’s representatives.
What is Marx’s view on religion and alienation?
Marx sees religion as a product of alienation, where workers lose control over what they produce, leading them to seek consolation in religion.
How does religion act as an opiate according to Marx?
Religion dulls the pain of exploitation but fails to address the underlying problem of capitalism, creating an illusory happiness.
What is the relationship between religion and class exploitation?
Religion arises out of suffering and acts as consolation but does not address the cause of suffering, which is class exploitation.
What are some criticisms of Marxist theories of religion?
Marx shows how religion can mask exploitation but ignores its positive functions, such as psychological adjustment to misfortune.
What do feminists believe about society?
Feminists see society as patriarchal and regard religion as a patriarchal institution that legitimates female subordination.
What evidence is there of patriarchy in religion?
Religious organizations are mainly male-dominated, and sacred texts often reflect anti-female stereotypes.
How do places of worship reflect patriarchy?
Places of worship often segregate the sexes and restrict women’s participation, such as not allowing them to preach.
What historical perspective do feminists provide on women’s roles in religion?
Feminists argue that early religions often placed women at the center, but monotheistic religions later established male dominance.
What is Nawal El Saadawi’s view on religion and women’s subordination?
El Saadawi argues that patriarchy, not religion itself, is the cause of women’s subordination, but religion has been reshaped by patriarchal influences.
What are religious forms of feminism?
Woodhead argues that not all religion is patriarchal and that women can use religion to gain greater freedom and respect.
How do some Muslim women view the hijab?
Some Muslim women see the hijab as a means of liberation rather than oppression, allowing them to enter the public sphere.
How can religion empower women in traditional roles?
Women can use religion to gain status and respect for their roles within the family, as seen in some Pentecostal groups.
What is a criticism of feminist views on religion?
Feminists often overlook that in many countries, women find religion more important than men, and attendance at religious services is more common among women.
