Submitted by: Submitted by Thalia97
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Category: Societal Issues
Date Submitted: 05/21/2016 05:31 AM
Evaluate the contribution of Marxist theories to our understanding of the role and functions of religion in the world today (33 marks)
Marxists….
* See society as divided into two classes – one exploits the labour of the other. (proletariat and bourgeoisie)
* Contrary to functionalists who see society as based on harmony and consensus
* In modern capitalist society, capitalist class own the means of production and exploit the working class
* He argues because of the above points, there is always potential for class conflict
* Predicts that working class would ultimately become aware of their exploitation and unit to overthrow capitalism.
* Marxists criticise the functionalist view as they argue religion is a unifying force that strengthens the value consensus and is a feature of all society.
* Marxists see religion as a feature only of class-divided society.
Marx concludes…..considering the previous arguments Marxists believe there will be no need for religion in a classless society and it will eventually disappear entirely.
Religion is an ideology:
* A belief system that distorts people’s perception of reality in ways that serve the interests of the ruling class.
* Whichever class controls the economic production also controls the production and distribution of ideas in society via institutions such as church, education system and the media.
Feminism…
Evidence of patriarchy
* Religious organisations
* Places of worship
* Sacred texts
* Religious laws and customs
Religious Organisations
* Mainly male dominated despite the fact that women tend to participate more in these organisations than men. E.g. Jews and Catholics forbid women becoming priests.
Places of Worship
* Often segregates the sexes and marginalises women. E.g. seating women behind men, often behind a screen.
* Women’s participation may be restricted. E.g. not allowed to preach or read sacred text directly.
Sacred Texts
*...