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· Justifies social order/hierarchies- by saying that poverty is
divinely ordained as a punishment for sin
Marxists would argue that religion does all of these things to help
reinforce ruling class values and make those in poverty/working class
not question their position therefore not disturbing the ruling class'
position, by making them believe that either they will be rewarded for
their suffering or it is deserved.
They also argue that religion is a mechanism for social control- (as
does functionalism), religion maintains the existing system of
exploitation, and reinforces class relationships and inequalities, by
doing the things mentioned above.
Religion also diverts people's attention away from the real source of
oppression-the ruling class, creating a false class-consciousness.
This social control is also achieved because the ruling class adopts
traditional religious beliefs these beliefs legitimate and justify
they're social position e.g. monarchs ordained by god.
There is also a close relationship between religion and politics e.g.
in the USA the new Christian right support the Republican Party. Link:
politics, re-establish ruling class ideologies-religion is in support
of this, therefore religion reinforces ruling class ideologies also
and legitimates class inequalities as a result as do politics.
Neo Marxists
Engel's and Marx- religion can also play an active role in effecting
revolutionary change. E.g. Christianity started as a way of coping
with exploitation among the oppressed, but also became a source of
resistance to the oppressors and a force for change.
O'toole-This can also be seen in the early Christian sects which
fought roman rule.
Maduro- religion has some independence from the ruling class and can
often be one of the only available channels to bring about social
revolution because it brings together masses.
Also recently in the USA, the Catholic Church has been actively
criticising the bourgeoisie and acting against they're interests.
Criticisms of the Marxist perspective of religion
· Hamilton-the point that religion is often used for manipulation by
the ruling classes doesn't actually explain its existence.
· There is also conflicting evidence to suggest whether or not
religion legitimates power, sometimes, as stated it can also act as an
instigator of social change.
Oval Callout: Secularisation debate
· Turner- accepts that during the feudal period religion did serve a
purpose of reinforcing the system of primogeniture (eldest son= heir)