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Neo-Marxism

Neo-Marxism

• Various 20th century approaches that amend or extend Marxist theory

• ‘neo-’ = attempted to address the perceived weaknesses of Marxism

• ‘neo-’ = try to update Marxist ideas to suit new developments / progress in society

Neo-Marxism

• Disagree with Marx that ‘religion is under control of ruling class’

= ruling class domination is more effective if it’s not involved in religion

• This apparent independence of religion is called relative autonomy

Gramsci (1971)

• Economic forces alone cannot maintain the dominance of the ruling class

• To keep a strong hold on society = ruling class has to persuade the masses that everything is good and fair for everyone!

• Persuade the masses = hegemony

Hegemony

Gramsci (1971)

The ideological control that the ruling-class elite have over the

masses

Gramsci (1971)

• Religion can develop to support / guide challenges to ruling class

• This is because the church is not directly under control of ruling class

Gramsci (1971)

• Religious control isn’t inevitable

• If church joined forces with intellectuals = lead the masses to – challenge the status quo – free themselves from oppression

Gramsci (1971)

• It is possible that religion could become popular with working-class individuals

• It is possible that religion can challenge the dominant ruling class ideology

• It is possible that religion can support working-class consciousness & liberation

Gramsci (1971)

Proletarian• Need working-class action• Action must be guided by theoretical ideas• Industrial working class must produce its own intellectuals to – articulate working

class experience – shape working class consciousness

Maduro (1982)• Also supports idea of relative autonomy

• Church can provide guidance for the oppressed in their struggle with ruling class

E.g. Latin America

Maduro (1982)

• Religion isn’t always a conservative force

• Religion can actually be revolutionary!

Religion is one of the main available

channels to bring about a social

revolution

Maduro (1982)E.g. Catholicism in South America

• Catholic priests criticize + act against ruling class / bourgeoisie interests

• Oppressed people are banned from protesting

• Put pressure on priests to take up their cause / fight their corner

LIBERATION THEOLOGY in countries such as EL SALVADOR, ECUADOR and GUATEMALA.

In these places people are forced to work for very little pay.

The governments are run by military leaders and they have no freedom of speech at all. If they speak out against the government, they are likelyto be arrested and maybe even killed.

A number of Catholic priests living in these countries have tried to stand up for the poor in these countries and have used their influence to try and change things there. 

They have done this through their sermons inchurch (using the messages in the Bible to speakout against poverty and exploitation) and also through involvement in communities and being supportive of those in need.

OSCAROSCAR ROMEROROMERO

Maduro (1982)

• Where there is no other outlet for grievances, the church can provide guidance for the oppressed

Other examples to support the Neo-Marxist view

Task

In groups research one of the following and present back how the relevant religion/ religious ideas played a part in defending the oppressed and prompting social change

Islamic Revolution – Iran 1979

Martin Luther King Jr – civil rights movement (1960s USA)

Catholicism in Northern Ireland

Methodism and the origins of the Labour Party

Levellers/Diggers (early form of communism) – 1600s English

Civil War

Evaluation

addresses weaknesses of Marxist theory

E.g. Admitting that religion can actually open eyes of the oppressed… encouraging them to take action!

Evaluation

Logical sense

E.g. - Religion has often supported the powerful - Religion has often provided comfort to the oppressed

Neo-Marxism application task• Remember that this theory attempts to overcome the

determinism of traditional Marxism

• They stress: relative autonomy, hegemony

• They show how religion can ‘side with the oppressed’ and give them a focus for rebellion/challenging oppression

• They show how religion can ENCOURAGE SOCIAL CHANGE!

Mix and MatchA B

Iran 1979 Black civil rights campaigner in 1960s – used Christian message of love and equality

Levellers/Diggers Islamic revolution led by the Ayotallah Khomeni. Ended the reign of the Shah – a westernised king who lived a wealthy lifestyle whilst so many in poverty. Fundamentalist Islamic challenge to westernisation.

Martin Luther King Jr The Methodist movement in 19th century Britain. Believed in all humans as equal in the eyes of God and ending inequality.

The origins of the Labour Party Democratic group during English Civil War. Opposed divine right of kings. They were puritans but believed in equality and freedom of all.

Planning a paragraphfocus content

Intro/link phrase Link neo marxism to how it develops from Marxism

Marcuse Explain relative autonomy and Hegemony. Highlight how religion is relatively independent from powerful.

Maduro Liberation theology and how catholic priests in Latin America have used religion to defend the poor and encourage resistance to oppression.

Further examples Martin Luther King Jr, Labour Party, Iran 1979, Levellers etc

Conclude paragraph

Return to emphasise the point that religion can be used to encourage change rather than be a conservative force defending the powerful

Timed Essay Questions

Identify and explain 3 ways Marx believes religion controls certain social groups.

6 marks (9 minutes)

Critically evaluate Marxist views on religion.12 marks (18 minutes)