Theories on religion -Marxixst

Question 1

Describe Marxism as a whole

Answer 1

Marxism = conflict perspective that focuses on social class division + power in society. Stems from Karl Marx (1818-1883) who argued society =made up of infrastructure (economic base) + superstructure (social institutions). This capitalist society =based on inequality + class conflict b/w bourgeoisie + proletariat where R/C exploits W/C. R/C = able to do this because they own means of production + workers own nothing so have to work for R/C to survive. So, relations of production = exploitative + alienate + immiserate W/C. But, W/C = unaware of this because superstructure creates R/C ideology that spreads + maintains false class consciousness. Religion = part of superstructure, so+ involved in maintaining R/C power. Marx argued for a society based on equality: equal class relations, end to alienation and exploitation, where wealth and property does not rest in the hands of a few =a communist society + achieved via revolution.

Question 2

What’s the Marxist view on religion

Answer 2

Marx argued role of religion = to maintain R/C power.
Done in a no. of ways:
1) Religion= tool of social control – distorts reality by encouraging belief that people’s lives= determined by a supernatural power (e.g. Christians + Muslims believe in predetermination) so there = little they can do to improve situation so = poor because God made them +had his reasons, so= maintains false class consciousness, preventing revolution. 
2)According to Marx, religion =‘the opium of the people’ – like a drug; lessening the pain of oppression, exploitation + alienation by promising rewards in afterlife EG),Christianity, Judaism and Islam promise heavenly rewards + Hinduism and Buddhism offer Possibility of better life in later incarnations. Lenin referred to religion = ‘spiritual gin’ – intoxication given to the W/C by the R/C to confuse + keep them in their place.  
3)Religion = legitimates power + privilege of the R/C e.g. in feudal England, King =seen as God’s representative so had to be obeyed. In Hinduism, caste system justifies the power of higher castes.
Althusser therefore argued religion= part of the ideological state apparatus – creates ideology that indoctrinates W/C into accepting unfair system as just +fair. 
In addition, Gramsci argued =religion is part of hegemony – helps persuade masses that existing system =just +fair so they consent to their position in society.

Question 3

What are the criticisms of the Marxist view on religion

Answer 3

Marxist theory ignores secularisation - how can the ruling class impose its ideology on the masses if the masses don’t attend church?

Religion does not always legitimate power; it can sometimes provide an impetus for change, e.g. Christian religious leaders were the driving force behind the Civil Rights Movement (Rev. M. L. King).

Marx claimed that in a communist society there would be no need for religion (as the working class would no longer need to be indoctrinated into accepting an unfair system). However, in many communist societies people continued to be religious.