marxism

• What is ideology defined as?

  Set of beliefs with negative connotations
• How does ideology control particular groups?

  It benefits powerful groups
• Describe the base superstructure model.

  • Economic base shapes ideological superstructure
  • Ideological superstructure maintains economic base
  • Creates economic determinism
• What is exploitation in a Marxist context?

  Proletariat are taken advantage of for labor
• What does alienation refer to?

  Isolation and loss of control over labor
• What is false class consciousness?

  Proletariat unaware of their exploitation
• How does religion function in capitalist societies?

  • Maintains capitalism through ideology
  • Acts as a product of alienation
  • Provides consolation for suffering
• What did Lenin say about religion?

  Religion is spiritual gin
• How does religion relate to alienation?

  Alienated people turn to religion for consolation
• What did Marx say about religion?

  Religion is the opium of the people
• What beliefs does religion transmit in a capitalist system?

  Belief that suffering is virtuous
• What effect does religion have on workers?

  Creates false class consciousness and prevents revolution
• What strengthens the false class consciousness among workers?

  • Revolution seen as a challenge against God
  • Belief in divine right of kings
  • Misleading beliefs about suffering
• What is a critique of Marxist theories of religion?

  • Religion can assist class consciousness
  • Exists in communist states with less oppression
  • Fulfills individual and social needs positively
• What did the USSR do regarding religion?

  Placed limits on the practice of religion
• How did religious belief compare in the 20th century between the USSR and the capitalist west?

  Stronger in the USSR than in the west
• Why does the existence of religion not solely explain oppression?

  Religion fulfills other individual and social needs