Trad Marxism Approach To Understanding Religion

Question 1

as a conflict theory, view on religion

Answer 1

As a conflict theory, the Marxist perspective opposes Functionalism by arguing that society is actually based on inequality and conflict between social groups.

Traditional Marxists argue that the economic base of society determines the way people think – this means that the capitalist economy is what shapes all aspects of society. Therefore, the capitalist economy also influences and shapes religious beliefs and ideas. At the same time, religion as an ideological state apparatus (ISA) also reproduces and legitimates the ruling class ideology and inequality between the classes.
The traditional Marxist approach provides an alternative view to Functionalism. Rather than working to benefit society as a whole by providing social solidarity and acting as ‘social glue’, Marxists see religion as working to maintain class divisions and the power of the ruling class

Question 2

marx key quote on religion

Answer 2

“Man makes religion, religion does not make man” (1884) suggesting that like Functionalists, Marxists believe that religion is man-made to perform some function in society.

Question 3

functions of religion according to marxists

used by ruling class as a instrument of opression

marx

Answer 3

Religion reproduces and justifies inequality in society by suggesting that the existing social order is “God given”. The positions of the Proletariat and the Bourgeoisie are decided by God, and so cannot be disputed. Religion operates as a mechanism of social control, maintaining exploitation and reinforcing class relations. Marx argued that Christianity preaches ‘humbleness and submissiveness’ to the proletariat. Also by making unbearable lives slightly more bearable, religion discourages people from seeking change, it prevents them from thinking about overthrowing capitalism. Religion acts as a conservative force.

Marx predicted that with the working-class revolution, religion would no longer be necessary. In Marx’s vision of communist society, class society would disappear and members of society would be fulfilled as human beings. The social conditions that produced religion in capitalism would no longer exist.

Question 4

functions of religion according to marxists

used by the working class to cushion the effects of opression

opium of the people

Answer 4

Marx argued that religion is the ‘opium of the people’. Opium is a drug that dulls the senses and relieves pain, meaning that religion is used by the working class like a drug to ease the pain of their oppression and help them cope. Religion masks the oppression of the working class resulting in false class consciousness – the working class are unaware of their oppression and so don’t do anything to change it. This prevents a Proletariat revolution and keeps capitalism going

Question 5

functions of religion according to marxists

how does religion act as a cushion

Answer 5

· The promise of an after-life which will better e.g. Heaven (Christianity) or Paradise (Islam). The Christian vision of heaven can make life more bearable, to give them something to look forward to.

· The idea that suffering is seen as virtuous, and that the poor will be rewarded on judgement day. Religion makes poverty more bearable by offering a reward for suffering and promising compensation in the afterlife for injustice.

· Praying for supernatural intervention to end their poverty/exploitation. For example, Jehovah’s Witnesses wait for the day when the supernatural powers will descend from on high and create heaven on earth.

· Religion justifies the social order and an individual’s position within it. God can be seen as creating and supporting the class structure, making it seem inevitable, unchallenged.

Question 6

lenin- spiritual gin

Answer 6

Lenin agreed with Marx: he used the term ‘spiritual gin’ to describe the ways in which religion is seen as a form of escapism which numbs and blinds people’s awareness to the reality around them.

Question 7

how useful is traditional marxism to our understanding to religion

Answer 7

• Leach notes that the Church of England supports the upper class and does little to reduce inequality. 80% of Bishops attended independent schools and Oxbridge
• The caste system in India was justified by Hindu beliefs
• Pentecostalism (fast growing in Latin America, Africa and parts of Asia) emphasises sobriety (not drinking alcohol) and hard work as well as teaching conservative views on issues such as abortion, sexuality and the role of the women.
• Bruce points out how in USA, the ‘New Christian Right’ support is given to right wing political candidates in the Republican Party

Question 8

evaluation of traditional marxist view of religion

Answer 8

Marx predicted that with communism, religion would disappear because the people would no longer suffer false class consciousness. In a communist, classless society there would be no need for religion as either an instrument of oppression or a cushion of the effects of oppression. However, despite attempts to restrict religiosity in the Soviet Union religion continued to flourish, indicating that religion must fulfil other functions.

Neo Marxists also criticise Traditional Marxists for their economic determinism, arguing that the capitalist system does not necessarily determine and shape the rest of society. Therefore, Neo Marxists argue that religion can actually be used to overthrow the capitalist system…