Marxism

• How do Marxists view society's class structure?

  Divided into two classes: bourgeoisie and proletariat
• What is the main difference between Marxists and functionalists regarding society?

  Marxists see conflict, while functionalists see harmony
• What role does religion play according to Marxists?

  Prevents class conflict and maintains the status quo
• What do Marxists believe religion is used for by the bourgeoisie?

  As an ideological weapon to justify inequality
• How do the proletariat use religion according to Marxists?

  To compensate for their suffering and inequality
• What did Marx believe about ideology?

  It distorts reality to serve bourgeois interests
• How is religion socially constructed according to Marxists?

  By the bourgeoisie to transmit capitalist ideas
• What does religion make the proletariat believe about their suffering?

  That it is inevitable and God-given
• What is false class consciousness?

  A distorted view preventing awareness of exploitation
• How did Lenin describe religion?

  As a 'spiritual gin' for the masses
• What does the term 'fog' refer to in Lenin's view of religion?

  A confusion created to manipulate the masses
• How does religion legitimize the power of the bourgeoisie?

  By making their position appear divinely ordained
• What was the Medieval idea related to the Divine Right of Kings?

  Monarchs derive their right to rule from God
• What do Abercrombie, Hill & Turner argue about religion's effectiveness?

  It had limited impact on the peasantry
• How do Marxists view religion in relation to alienation?

  It arises from suffering and acts as consolation
• What does Marx refer to religion as?

  The opium of the masses

  
• How does religion mask the problem of exploitation?

  By providing a distorted view of society
• What does the concept of heaven create according to Marxists?

  An illusion that distracts from real suffering
• What do some Marxists like Althusser reject about alienation?

  They find it unscientific and inadequate
• What are the criticisms of the classical Marxist view on religion?

  • Overstates religion's effectiveness as control
  • Feminists argue it ignores gender oppression
  • Neo-Marxists provide empirical evidence against it
  • Postmodernists claim it is outdated
  • Functionalists highlight positive functions of religion
• What does Weber argue about religion's role in society?

  It creates social change, not just control
• What does Tearfund research indicate about church attendance in the UK?

  Only 15% of UK adults attend regularly
• What are two ways religion exerts social control according to Marxist theory?

  Legitimizes inequality and dulls class consciousness
• What are two roles of religion for society according to Marxist Sociologists?

  Justifies inequality and consoles the proletariat
• What is the main function of religion today according to Marxists?

  Ideological control of the working class