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Flashcards in Marxism Deck (14)
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1
Q

What is the overall traditional marxist view

A

R.C. Own means of production and derive power from superstructure e.g. RELIGION
Religion promotes and supports r.c. Ideology
Discourages subject classes from realising exploitation

2
Q

How does religion act as an opium of the masses

A

Drug: distorts reality, helps deal with pain
Promises eternal life, virtue out of suffering and oppression, offers hope of supernatural intervention, justifies and legitimises existing social order

3
Q

How does opium of the masses promise eternal life

A

In heaven

4
Q

How does opium of the masses offer virtue out of suffering and oppression

A

No need to try and overcome injustice now

5
Q

How does opium of the masses offer hope in supernatural intervention

A

To end suffering

E.G. Jehovahs Witnesses believe judgement day for those not religious = punished

6
Q

How does opium of the masses justify and legitimise existing social order

A

E.G. Divine right of Kings

7
Q

How does religion coincide with alienation

A

Humans invent an alien being ‘God’ believe all powerful and control over them, give up true humanity, denying themselves right to make own decisions

8
Q

How des religion acts as social control

A

False Class Conscious: mistaken beliefs true nature life, justifies r.c. Prevents development class consciousness = become aware being exploited and overthrow capitalist system

9
Q

What do traditional marxists see as the role of religion in communist countries

A

Under Communism: religion no longer necessary, means production communally owned, therefore no social classes. Without classes no need for religion. Sole purpose legitimate r.c.

10
Q

What 3 pieces of evidence support Marxist

A

Slavery
New Christian Right
Evangelical Christianity Latin America

11
Q

How does slavery support Marx view

A

Slave masters tried to convert religions of slaves

Saw religion way of controlling slaves, preventing rebellions

12
Q

How does the New Christian Right support Marxist

A

Justify the free market and support bourgeoisie, legitimating power

13
Q

How do the Evangelical Christians Latin America support Marx view of religion

A

Provide religious discipline, hope salvation in the after life, some poorest Latin American societies = discouraging radical theology

14
Q

Evaluation of the traditional Marx view

A

Functionalist: ignores positive role
Religion under communism: survived USSR and Catholicism thrived in Poland
Narrow focus: 1 role
Feminists: ignore patriarchy and gender inequality
Radical force: does not always support status quo e.g. Liberation Theology challenge r.c.