Religion as a conservative force- Marxism Flashcards
What did Marx say was the first requisite for the happiness of the people?
The abolition of religion
Marx key ideas on religion
- rejected the church
- religion is a social construction used to maintain capitalism
- conservative force designed to prevent social change
What are the 2 main functions of religion according to Marx?
1) It acted as the ‘opium of the people’, cushioning the pain of oppression and exploitation in unequal societies
2) It legitimised and maintained the power of the ruling class
What did Marx mean when he described religion as the ‘opium of the people’?
Religion acts like a pain-relieving drug which provides purpose and some control for the oppressed
- helps them to overcome the effects of alienation
- ‘smokescreen’ - blind people from the realities of life
What are the 3 ways religion ‘eases the pain of oppression?
1) Religion promises an eventual escape
2) Religion offers hope of supernatural intervention to solve problems on earth
3) Religion provides a religious explanation and justification for inequality
1) Religion promises and eventual escape
If people believe that God is testing their faith, they are less likely to try and change or improve their circumstances as they believe they will be rewarded in the afterlife for accepting their position- suffering n oppression
2) Religion offers hope of supernatural intervention to solve problems on earth
The promise of future, new paradise, heavenly gov
- encourages people to accept their position and not act to change society
- god will do something/intervene to help- prevent people from changing it themselves
3) Religion provides a religious explanation and justificaton for inequality
Indian caste system, you do not obey strict rules and accept position in social hierarchy, will be reborn on a lower level (reincarnation)
Short summary of 3 ways religions eases oppression
1- afterlife/salvation
2- supernatural intervention
3- justification of inequality/hierarchy
What does Marx suggest as a solution?
Communism
- religion would not longer be present in communist society, as there would be no inequality to be justified
What does Lenin describe religion as?
‘Religion is a kind of spiritual gin in which the slaves of capital drown their human shape and their claims to any decent life’
What is Lenin’s second argument surrounding religion?
Argues that the RC uses religion to manipulate the masses which keeps them from attempting to overthrow their oppressors (RC) by creating a ‘mystical fog’ that distorts their reality
What is an Ideological State Apparatus?
A way of passing on dominant ideology thoughts, ideas
ALTHUSSER- Family, Education, Religion
How may religion be seen as an ISA?
ALTHUSSER
Religion teaches the acceptance of an authoritative figure
- obedience to a higher power
- reinforces obedience to authority
What is meant by a Repressive State Apparatus?
A way of physically controlling people
- police, law, army, courts
Is religion an RSA?
ALTHUSSER
Women- clothing, abortion, contraception
Laws- reproductive rights
Food- kosha, halal meat
A religion as a law removes freedom
Evidence to support the Marxist theory of religion?
- Crowning of the monarch in church
- Justification of slavery
- Hindu Caste System
How does the crowning of the monarch in the church support the Marxist theory of religion?
Religious place/leader, gives religion the power to do so, God chose him to be in power/control
- the church aligns with people in power
How does the justification of slavery support the Marxist theory of religion?
One person to have power over another based on religious beliefs
How does the Hindu Caste System support the Marxist theory of religion?
Hinduism- prevents anyone from changing their hierarchal position
- cannot have a job in other ranks, or marry from other ranks
- you are born into a ranking, determines your social status
Challenges to the Marxist theory of religion
X gives people a sense of fulfilment, belonging, purpose, comfort
X ignores the positive functions and role religion performs- Func
X problematic to view religion as +/-, personal experience, they’re in charge
X communist societies may not be less exploitative
- the state is in power
X different types/definitions of religion
X rise in Christianity in China (communist), expect there to be no religion
What does neo-marxist Turner do?
Challenge traditional Marxist views of religion
What does Turner mean by economic and repressive control?
Economic- wealth
Repressive- law, prison
These are more effective in controlling people/masses
- taking way someones wages, putting them in prison is more of a threat
Why has the nature of capitalism changed according to Turner?
- business corporations dominate capital
- harder to identify oppressors
- shareholders etc, capitalism has changed
Why may state determined forms of religion not have has as much power as Marx thought?
TURNER
Emphasises the role of religion, peasants practise religions not enforced by the state
- lots of WC didn’t believe in the Church of England belief system- paganism
- couldn’t have had the ideological power if lots of people did not follow it
What does neo-Marxist Marcuse believe?
That the ‘gods of consumerism’ have replaced religious god
Marcuse
What is commodity fetishism?
The idea that we are obsessed with buying new products
- new religion upholding capitalism
Marcuse
What evidence is there that consumerism is the new ‘religion’?
- go to places like meadowhall (shopping centres)
- god of consumerism is maintaining capitalism
- Macheads- worship apple technology
What are the similarities between the Marxist and Functionalist theories of religion?
Both think religion is a conservative force
What are the differences between Marxism and Functionalist theories of religion?
F- think it is a good thing, keeps tradition
M- think it is a bad thing, maintains capitalism
