Asked by Aakash Bathija on May 07, 2024
Verified
Compare and contrast Durkheim and Marx on the nature and consequences of religious practice.
Durkheim
A French sociologist, social psychologist, and philosopher who is considered one of the founding fathers of sociology.
Marx
Karl Marx was a 19th-century philosopher, economist, and revolutionary, best known for his works on capitalism and communism as well as for founding Marxist theory.
Religious Practice
Religious practice refers to the actions, rituals, and ceremonies individuals or communities partake in as part of their adherence to the beliefs and tenets of a religion.
- Analyze and compare the perspectives of Durkheim and Marx on religion.
Verified Answer
On the other hand, Marx, a conflict theorist, saw religion as a tool used by the ruling class to maintain control over the working class. He famously referred to religion as the "opium of the people," suggesting that it served to pacify and distract the oppressed from their exploitation and suffering. Marx believed that religious beliefs and practices were a form of false consciousness that prevented the working class from recognizing their true interests and potential for revolutionary change. He argued that religion perpetuated inequality and served as a means of social control by promoting obedience and acceptance of the status quo.
In terms of consequences, Durkheim believed that religious practice had positive effects on society by promoting social cohesion and providing a sense of belonging and identity. He saw religion as a force for social integration and stability. In contrast, Marx viewed religious practice as a negative consequence of the oppressive capitalist system, which perpetuated inequality and prevented the working class from achieving true liberation.
In summary, Durkheim and Marx had contrasting views on the nature and consequences of religious practice. While Durkheim saw religion as a unifying force that promoted social cohesion, Marx viewed it as a tool of oppression used by the ruling class to maintain control over the working class. Their differing perspectives reflect their broader theoretical frameworks and understandings of the role of religion in society.
Learning Objectives
- Analyze and compare the perspectives of Durkheim and Marx on religion.
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