Marxist Theory

Question 1

Marxism - Overview - Marx

Answer 1

• Structuralist perspective- looks at role religion plays in overall soc
• Religions role is to delude us (confuse us from reality)

Question 2

Marxism - Religion as an Ideology - Marx + Lenin

Answer 2

• Marx –> religion is a false consciousness, distracts us from reality (masks prol exploitation)
- Functions as an ISA - Socialises us to believe there’s no alternative to capitalism
• Lenin –> Special ‘gin’ given to confuse us + keep bourg in power
- teaches us suffering is part of God’s plan - stops us questioning inequality
- Legitimises inequality + hierarchy

Question 3

Marxism - Religion as Alienation

Answer 3

• We are alienated from human nature (produce)
- Capitalisms division or labour
• Religion creates sense of detachment from true social + economic condition
- Numbs pain of exploitation

Question 4

Marxism - Evaluation

Answer 4

• Neo Marxism - Maduro –> Ignores pos functions
-Religious actions + beliefs can assist social change (civil rights movement)
• Althusser –> Alienation is unscientific - no human nature
• Abercrombine + Hill + Turner –> Christianity has little impact on peasantry
- Most don’t follow religion to a T - No huge impact anymore