Religion as a conservative force (Marxsim)

Question 1

Three marxist theories

Answer 1

• Religion reinforces false class consciousness
• Religion encourages people to embrace poverty
• Religion is a product of alienation

Question 2

Religion reinforces false class consciousness

Answer 2

• Religious teachings convince the WC that poverty and wealth are decided by God eg conveyed through All things Bright and Beautiful
• Reinforces false class consciousness where the WC are unaware they are being exploited
• Back in history, Kings claimed they had divine right to rule so they weren’t challenged

Question 3

Evaluation of false class consciousness

Answer 3

• In todays society we know the true causes of poverty so we no longer need this explanation
• WC people are aware of why they live in poverty, they are unable to challenge it due to their lack of power

Question 4

Religion encourages people to embrace poverty

Answer 4

• Promotes the view that poverty is a test from God and those who tolerate it are preferred by God
• People then embrace poverty in the hopes they will please God and be rewarded in the afterlife
• The unequal status quo is therefore maintained (poor don’t challenge the rich)
• Eg Book of Mathew states, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than it is for a rich man to enter heaven

Question 5

Evaluation of religion encourages people to embrace poverty

Answer 5

• Fails to acknowledge that gender inequality is a huge problem in religion
• If people don’t know they are oppressed then how do they put up with it

Question 6

Religion is a product of alienation

Answer 6

• Alienation (lack of control over their lives)
• They are likely to feel exploited and dehumanised so turn to religion as a source of comfort
• Described as the opium of the people eg those in desperate positions consume it in a drug like way as it dulls the pain
• Benefits capitalism as it distorts their reality so they don’t challenge the unfair situation + status quo remains
• Strong correlation between poverty and religious participation

Question 7

Evaluation of religion as a product of alienation

Answer 7

• Nature of jobs has changed so may not be applicable in a modern society
• Ignores that religion can have positive impacts on people’s lives