Marxist role of religion

why do Marxists believe religion acts as a conservative force

it acts as a source of social stability - but this only benefits capitalism as it reproduces and justifies class inequality

what two functions does Lenin say religion performs

it acts as a spiritual gin which keeps the working class confused and in their place - creates a mystical fog that obscures reality and prevents overthrowing

it legitimates the power/privilege of the dominant class by making their position appear to be divinely ordained (e.g. Divine Right of Kings)

what does Marx say is the role of religion

‘religion is the opium of the people’ - it makes them numb to the pain that capitalism causes and legitimates the suffering of the wc as something inevitable and god-given (later rewarded) →creates false class consciousness

why does Marx see religion as the product of alienation

it acts as the opium which dulls exploitation

it’s distorted so offers no solution to earthly misery (instead promotes a happy afterlife as a distraction)

what does Althusser argue is the role of religion

it acts as an ideological state apparatus which spreads the dominant ideology of the bourgeoisie

how does the Hindu Caste system support the Marxist role of religion

it divides people into 4 main categories of different rank and believed to be created from different parts of the God’s body - each category does different types of jobs

the caste has dictated every aspect of Hindu religious and social life

the system has given the upper castes privileges while sanctioning repression of lower castes

the system traps people into fixed and unchangeable social orders

what are 2 advantages of the Marxist view of religion

the Caste System and Divine Right of Kings show how religion is used to justify the rule and power of the bourgeoisie to suppress proletariat

many secular states have an increased level of protest against the government (e.g. France) - shows that religious states have more false class consciousness

what are 2 disadvantages of they Marxist view of religion

many oppressed groups have used religion to create social change (e.g. Ghandi + Hinduism)

Communist Russia (abolished religion) still had millions living in poverty and oppressed by the regime - oppression not caused by religion