Traditional Marxism Flashcards
What type of theory is Marxism?
Structural, macro, conflict
Argues that S = based on inequality + conflict between social groups
What do Marxists argue shapes everything within a society?
Economic base of S determines everything
This means, capitalist economy = what shapes all aspects of S
Including our beliefs + ideas
What do Marxists see religion as?
Ideological state apparatus (ISA)
Used to reproduce + legitimate the rc ideology + inequality between the classes
What are ISAs used for?
Capitalist system shapes the ISAs + uses them to spread the rc ideology
What should ALWAYS mention when talking about Marx?
Marx was the 1st critical view of religion
When did Marx write about religion?
1884
“Man makes religion, religion does not make man”
Who said this + what does it mean?
Marx
Suggesting that like Functionalists, Marxists believe that religion = man-made to perform some functions in S
How are Marxists and Functionalists similar?
Both see religion as a social construct, designed to perform some functions in S
How is the Marxist view of religion different to that of Functionalists?
Functionalists: religion = beneficial to whole of S by providing social solidarity + acting as ‘social glue’
Marxists: religion works to maintain the class ÷ + the power of the rc
What 2 ideological functions of religion did Marx identify?
- Used as instrument of oppression by rc
2. Used y wc to cushion the effects of oppression
Why does Marx argue that religion is an ‘instrument of oppression’?
Religion produces + justifies inequality in S
Suggests that existing social order = ‘God given’
Positions of bourgeoisie + proletariat = decided by God, not to be disputed
“It’s easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”
What part of the Bible is this from?
Matthew 19:24
What is the quote form Matthew 19:24 that can be used to show how religion reinforces and justifies oppression?
“It’s easier for a camel to fit through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God”
What is a contemporary example of how religion can be used to reinforce and justify oppression of the wc?
The Hindu caste system
S = split into 5 groups (names in pack)
They believe that when they’re reincarnated , brought back into caste above the one they’re currently in
What is ‘Endogamy’?
Marrying within the same social group/ class e.g. in Hindu caste system = mandatory for members to marry within the same class
Why does Marx argue that religion is a ‘cushion of oppression’?
Religion = ‘opium of the people’
It dulls the senses + relieves the pain of oppression
Helps wc cope
What is Opium?
= drug that dulls the senses + relieves pain
Marx compares religion to this, used by wc to ease pain of their oppression
What does religion produce in the wc?
Religion masks the oppression
Result in false class consciousness
wc = unaware of their oppression + therefore don’t do anything to change it
PREVENTS A PROLETARIAT REVOLUTION
Give 3 ways that religion keeps capitalism going
- Promise of an after-life (Heaven/ Paradise in Islam)
- Idea that suffering = virtuous (poor will be rewarded on judgement day)
- Praying for a supernatural intervention to end poverty/ exploitation
What did Lenin argue?
Uses term ‘spiritual gin’
Religion = seen as form of escapism, numbs + blinds people’s awareness to reality around them
Acts as relief from the harsh realities of capitalism
What do Marxists generally regard religion as?
Acts as theodicy of dispriveledge
- religion acts as set of explanations of inequality
What evidence does Leach offer to support the traditional Marxist view?
C of E supports the upper class + does little to reduce inequality
80% of Bishops attend independent schools + Oxbridge
How is Marxism useful to our understanding of religion?
Recognises that religion plays role in shaping false class consciousness by controlling the ideas of the wc
How do Functionalists criticise the Marxist view of religion?
Marxists ignore the +ve functions of religion
e. g. comfort it brings people in life crisis (death)
e. g. some churches help the poor (majority of homeless shelters = run by church groups)
How do Neo-Marxists criticise traditional Marxists?
Traditional Marxism = too economically deterministic
Capitalism doesn’t necessarily determine rest of S
Religion CAN therefore be used to overthrow the capitalist system
What is a criticism of the Traditional Marxism view if we assume that S today is more secular?
If less religious, is it still a form of social control?
Can’t act as an ideological controlling force
What did Marx predict would happen with communism in S?
How can this be criticised?
Religion would disappear; people would no longer suffer from a false class consciousness Religion wouldn't need to be used as an instrument of oppression/ to cushion the effects of oppression I a classless S HOWEVER religion continues to flourish in Soviet Union despite attempts to restrict religiosity - indicates religion must fulfil other functions
