Neo Marxism

Question 1

What do Neo-Marxists believe religion can lead could lead to?

Answer 1

Social change due to the fact that they view religion and ideas as having more autonomy/power.

Question 2

What do Neo-Marxists believe that religion can be used for?

Answer 2

They believe that it could be used to challenge the capitalist system and to libertate.

Question 3

What is religion according to neo-marxists?

Answer 3

It is a revolutionary force.

Question 4

What does Gramsci argue?

Answer 4

He argues that beliefs + ideas are no less important than the economic forces, and as such religion which spreads idea + beliefs is just as important as the economic base of society.

Question 5

How does Gramsci use the term ‘Hegemony’?

Answer 5

He uses it to explain how the rc dominate the minds of the Proletariat, and argues that religion often plays a role in maintaining this control e.g. Roman Catholics in Italy.

Question 6

Define ‘Hegemony’?

Answer 6

Leadership or dominance, especially by one state or social group over others

Question 7

According to Gramsci how can religion be used to challenge the rc?

Answer 7

Gramsci argues that on some occasions that religion can be used to support the interests of the oppressed classes, and therefore be used to challenge the dominant rc ideology & hegemonic control of the masses.

Question 8

What does Maduro do?

Answer 8

Maduro builds on the work of Gramsci by contributing understanding of how G’s ideas might be put into practice.

Question 9

What did Maduro find in developing countries?

Answer 9

He found that in developing countries where the church & religion remain dominant with some hegemonic influence, religion has the power to create social change.

Question 10

Give an example of where Maduro has seen religion cause social change.

Answer 10

Maduro uses the example of places like Latin America. Members of the clergy have the power to voice and reflect the Proletariat’s experience of oppression. The Church leads the wc to join together and overthrow the rc.

Question 11

What does Althusser distinguish between?

Answer 11

He distinguishes between ISAs (ideological state apparatus) and RSAs (repressive state apparatus).

Question 12

What does Althusser claim ISAs and RSAs to be?

Answer 12

ISAs are institutions that spread ideas.

RSAs are institutions which oppress and control people through the use of force.

Question 13

According to Althusser, what can religion do as an ISA?

Answer 13

It can be used to create social change.

Question 14

What happens if an ISA tries to create social change?

Althusser

Answer 14

If an ISA tries to do this, the the RSAs will respond with force to stop any kind of revolution against a capitalist system.

Question 15

What is Althusser’s main point?

Answer 15

That religion as an ISA can be used to create social change, but will inevitably need to overcome RSAs which is a difficult task.

Question 16

Give an example where RSAs have inhibited religion causing social change.

Answer 16

In 2007 Buddhist monks were involved in peaceful, non-violent protests against the national government in Burma. Many were arrested or detained.

Question 17

What is the ‘Liberation Theology’?

Answer 17

The idea that religious beliefs can be used to justify a wc revolution e.g. some interpretations of the Bible suggest that it encourages the oppressed to take control of their situation & actively engage in ending their oppression.

Question 18

How does the liberation theology support Neo-Marxism?

Answer 18

It support the Neo-Marxist idea that religion is not always used to reproduce capitalism and inequality.

Question 19

Where did the liberation theology begin?

Answer 19

It began in Latin America in the 1950s as a response to poverty + inequality in the religion, but the use of religion to end oppression & overthrow capitalism can be seen elsewhere.

Question 20

Give 3 examples of where the liberation theology can be seen in action.

Answer 20

1. Burmese Monks
2. Archbishop Tutu and Apartheid
3. Martin Luther King

Question 21

Liberation theology in action:

- Burmese monks

Answer 21

In 2007 Buddhist monks were involved in peaceful, non-violent protests against the national government in Burma. It was known as the Saffron revolution and tens of thousands of monks led massive demonstrations in towns and cities across Burma. Many were arrested and detained.

Question 22

Liberation theology in action:

- Archbishop Tutu and Apartheid

Answer 22

Desmond Tutu was a civil rights activist fighting against apartheid in South Africa from the 1970s-1990s. Fighting against the fact that blacks weren’t allowed the same rights as whites. Tutu united lots of churches in his fight.

Question 23

Liberation theology in action:

- Martin Luther King

Answer 23

MLK was a civil rights activist who fought against racism in America during the 1960s. He was a Christian Baptist minister who lead peaceful protests.