Theoretical perspectives of religion: Neo-Marxist

Neo-Marxist Perspective on Religion

Neo-Marxist views differ from traditional Marxist views on religion in that they do not believe that religion always serves the interests of the ruling class, and instead propose that it can sometimes act as a force for change and resistance.
In this perspective, religion is seen as offering both a symbolic confrontation against the world’s injustices, inequalities and oppressions, and a way to challenge them in reality.
Central to Neo-Marxist analysis is the concept of hegemony, a term introduced by Antonio Gramsci. Hegemony refers to dominant groups in society maintaining their dominance by securing the consent of subordinate groups, achieved through cultural and ideological means.

Examples of Neo-Marxist Thought

Ernesto Laclau has provided insights into the role of political organisation and revolution. He argues that religion can provide a form of ‘symbolic glue’ for social movements aiming to challenge existing power structures.
Otto Maduro argues that religion can be a radical force that can lead to social change. He suggests that religious ideas and institutions can act as a vehicle for oppressed groups to challenge and overturn capitalist society.
Gramsci himself noted that religion can sometimes serve as a source of ideological resistance and a means of challenging ideological hegemony. He highlighted examples from history where oppressed groups have used religious ideas and symbols to resist domination.

Critiques of the Neo-Marxist Perspective on Religion

The Neo-Marxist perspective has been criticised for its determinism and for reducing religion to nothing but a reflection of social and economic forces.
This perspective overlooks the possibility that individuals can interpret religious teachings in a variety of ways and hold divergent beliefs within the same religion.
It also does not adequately explain how religious beliefs can transcend socio-economic conditions and bring about change in the social structure itself.

Revision tip: Research on concrete historical and contemporary examples where religion acted as a force for radical change, and understand how they align with the Neo-Marxist perspective. Make sure to contrast it with traditional Marxist views, and link these concepts to wider sociological debates over the role of religion in society and the potential for religiously fueled social change.