Traditional Marxism

Question 1

Summary (2)

Answer 1

Religion is an ISA- reproduces and legitimates the capitalist system, conservative force

Question 2

Marx on religion

Answer 2

Religion is man made to perform some function in society- maintains class divisions

Question 3

Marx 2 ideological functions

Answer 3

1. r/c ‘instrument of oppression’- justifies inequality

2. w/c ‘cushion the effects of oppression’

Question 4

‘Opium of the people’

Answer 4

Religion is used by w/c like a drug to ease the pain of oppression- it masks the oppression resulting in FCC

Question 5

Lenin

Answer 5

‘spiritual gin’- religion is a form of escapism which numbs and blinds people’s awareness to reality

Question 6

Leach (2)

Answer 6

Church of England supports r/c and does little to reduce inequality. 80% of bishops attended Oxbridge

Question 7

Positive evaluation

Answer 7

Recognises that religion plays a role in shaping FCC by controlling ideas of w/c

Question 8

Criticisms (2)

Answer 8

Functionalists might say they ignore the positive functions of religion like social solidarity, value consensus etc

Marx predicted in communist societies religion would disappear as there’s no FCC however religiosity carried on in Soviet Union indicating it fulfils other functions