Neo-Marxists Flashcards
What do neo-Marxists say about religion?
It has the potential to be dynamic at certain times & places
What does Gramsci say?
Sometimes the superstructure can influence the infrastructure, meaning religious ideas can bring changes to the superstructure, called relative autonomy
What sociologist supports Gramsci?
Maduro
Uses practical example of liberation theology to support him
What is liberation theology?
Catholic priests using Marxist ideas to free the poor eg Father Torres
What did Father Torres do?
He believed that the vast majority of Colombian people being poor was unjust, his solution was a Catholic revolution
What does Ernst Bloch say?
Religion can inspire protest and rebellion because it is an expression of the principle of hope, this helps people see what needs to be changed in the world, therefore religious beliefs create a vision of a better world
What does ‘the principle of hope’ mean?
Our dreams of a better life that contain images of utopia (the perfect world)
How can Bloch be criticised?
Images of utopia can sometimes deceive people with promises of rewards in heaven (Marx, opium of the people, conservative)
What other concepts does Gramsci talk about?
Relative autonomy
Hegemony
Dual consciousness
What is dual consciousness?
WC know they’re being exploited but don’t do anything about it
What is hegemony?
RC ideology
Controls proletariat
How would trad Marx criticise relative autonomy?
belief in economic determinism
economic factors are the sole cause of everything in society including social change
infrastructure always controls superstructure
How does the Pentecostal Challenge oppose liberation theology?
Offers option for poor to pull themselves out of poverty through their own efforts
What does Engels say?
Religion has dual character
Inhibits change by disguising inequality but also challenges status quo & encourages social change
How can Engels be criticised?
Senior clergy usually support status quo, no social change
