Marx on Religion
Marx on Religion:
Marx viewed society through a scientific perspective and saw religion as a conservative force
Marx viewed religion as a form of ideology that controlled the masses
Religion served the needs of capitalism as it maintained the oppressive structure of society
The organisation of society:
Marx suggested society was organised based upon two structures: The infrastructure and The superstructure
The infrastructure was the economic base of society- The unequal relationship between the bourgeoisie and The proletariat
The Superstructure maintained this inequality by spreading the ideology of the ruling class through social institutions, including religion
Religion as an Ideology:
Religion promoted the idea that the hierarchy of society was unequal because this was God’s will
Promoted ideas that were aligned with the spread of capitalism- individualism, meritocracy and sacrifice
Inequalities were seen as being due to God’s will the poor were sinners, and the wealthy were righteous
‘Opium of the People’:
The supernatural nature of inequality promoted by religious organisations
Rewards for hard work would come in the afterlife which maintained the motivation of the poor to continue to walk
Religion was the ‘opium of the people’- Provides temporary relief from the oppression of capitalism
Religion as a conservative force:
Religion offers no aid to those in poverty, merely a brief respite- it actively maintains inequality in society
Religion inhibits social change and this results in inequality being maintained
Religion prevents revolution, by temporarily alleviating revolutionary fervor
Evaluations of Marx:
Marx ignores the positive aspects of religion for individuals- A sense of belonging, collectivism and charity
Marx ignores the spiritual elements of religion, suggesting it functions of Eastern religions
Ignores the ability of individuals to reject structural influences and demonstrate agency
Centred on a critique of Western society, ignoring the functions of Eastern religions