Neo (new) Marxism

Who said religion has a dual character and what does it mean?

Engels argued that although even though religion can hide inequality, it can also challenge the status quo and encourage social change.

Who argued religion is a ‘principle of hope’?

Bloch argued this claiming (like Engels) religion has a dual character and can inspire hope and rebellion. Bloch argues religion is a ‘principle of hope’ as many religious people would dream about a perfect utopia (heaven) so therefore have a clear goal of the change they would want to see.

What was the liberation theory and what factors led this theory?

It is a movement emerged by the Catholic church in Latin America that advocated for change. The factors that led this theory was;

Growing poverty

Human rights abuse - military etc

Growing commitment from catholic churches for human rights.

What 2 neo Marxist agree with the liberation theory?

Lowly and Maduro see it as an example for religiously inspired social changed whilst other neo Marxists disagreed.

Who contrasted the liberation theology and Pentecostal churches and are they.

Lehmann contrasted the two. He argued:

Liberation theology: solution for poverty, collective improvement

Pentecostal churches offers individuals self improvement through the private circle of family and church

What is the millenarian movement? .

This is the idea that Christ will come to the world for a second time, rule for 1000 years before the day of judgement day. This movement would appeal the poor as it would offer them a better life

Who argued about the Millenarian movements and did he see them as a positive if negative social change + example?

Worsley said the millenarian movements as a positive movement for social change. He studied this movement in the West Pacific - cargo cults. The cargo cults were islanders who felt wrongfully deprived of cargo so began this movement. They led a cause that threatened colonialism and capitalism.

What is hegemony and what sociologist defined it. Use an example

Gramsci defined hegemony as social dominance through religious ideologies. For example, he used Mussolini (Italian dictator in the 20s-30s) who used hegemony to win support for his fascists (far right ideologies) regime.