traditional marxism

• What is marx- 'religion is the opium of the people'

  This means that religion dulls the pain of working class oppression by providing comforting illusions and making their life less miserable because they are promised heaven which distracts them from their exploitation and keeps them in a false class consciousness.
• Example of religion being the ' opium of the people'


  EG. singing hymns in church and listening to bible studies. - attending these church services makes them feel better and provides comforting illusions.
• Evaluation of religion being the 'opium of the people'

  However, religion has the potential to inspire rebellion and change,shown in origins in major abrahamic religions which all emerged from struggles against prevailing hierarchies of their times.
• What is marx - religion legitimises inequality

  religion is used by the ruling class to justify their exploitation of the working class.It teaches individuals that their position in society is ‘God-given’.They believe that if they behave and do what the ruling class tells them they'll be granted a place in heaven.This means they don't challenge them,because it would be like challenging God which is a major sin.Therefore,capitalism continues.
• Example of religion legitimises inequality

  EG. caste system - in India the bottom of caste are seen ‘dirty’ whereas top are seen ‘pure’.This is justified by reincarnation so people dont challenge their positions in society so inequality grows.
• Evaluation of religion legitimises inequality

  The ruling class cannot use religion to justify their exploitation due to the major rise of secularisation in the UK.
• what is Marx - religion is part of the ideological state apparatus

  A false consciousness in which dominant ideologies are transmitted and internalised by individuals in society.Religion reinforces existing power structures and inequality to maintain a status quo and prevent social change.
• Examples of religion being apart of the ideological state apparatus

  EG. Burmese monks use religion to protest against human rights abuse committed by the government practices.This supports the working class and makes their lives better
• Evaluation of religion being apart of the ideological state apparatus

  However,Maduro disagrees with Marx that religion prevents social change and feels its a catalyst for revolution so advances the interest of the working class.