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Criticisms
o Religion doesn't always legitimate power
o Sometimes can provide an impetus of change
o Marx doesn't explain the existence of religion
o The notion of a 'false consciousness' to which religion contributes
is Marx was of explaining why the oppressed don't perceive & do
something about their situation
o It's impossible to prove/disprove - how do we know when awareness is
correct/incorrect?
o Certainly those who hold religious beliefs don't think of them in
these terms & it's a major value judgement to claim that this is an
example of 'false consciousness'
Comparison
o Marxists & functionalists view religion as a v.important force in
society but for v.different reasons
o Funtionalism sees religion as a source of social unity & cohesion
o Marxists analysis identifies religion as a social control mechanism
not serving the interests of the whole of society - just ruling class
Fundamental difference - stems from the different assumptions made by
the 2 approaches about the nature of society
Religion & social change
Functionalism
o Religion operates in a conservative manner - reinforces & reflects
to value consensus in society
o Fulfils the function of creating social unity & acts to preserve
existing social arrangements
o Prevents any rapid social changes which might threaten status quo
o Seen as being a positive benefit to society as it prevents disorder
& social breakdown
Marxism
o Religion inhibits change not for the benefit of society as a whole
but in order to protect the interests of a ruling class
o As an 'opiate' religion prevents the oppressed from being fully
aware of their real circumstances
o This limits the possibility of any challenge to the authority of the
ruling class
o There's more similarity between the 2 approaches over the issue of