Sociology Optional Paper I Section B by Smriti Rao

Model Answer

Question #1. Briefly examine Karl Marx’s statement, “Religion is the opium of masses”.

Karl Marx opined that human societies are all based on a model of two components. Using economic determinism, he stated that there is an economic base which constitutes a mode of production; this drives the foundation for any society. The Superstructure can be understood as sharing a causal relationship with the economic base. According to Marx, religion is that institution which appears in the superstructure but is bound by the nature of the economic base. With specific reference to the Capitalist mode of production, religion is used as a salve that can temporarily blind the exploitative character of the Bourgeoisie.

The Capitalist mode of production is unique in the sense that it is under this stage in the society that alienation reaches its peak. He deliberates that only is capitalism an unjust and inefficient mode of production; it is also marked by subversion of human nature. The increasing polarisation  between haves and have nots denies man his basic rights, true nature and subjects him to disassociation from the product, process of production and fellow workers. This pathological division of labour leads to alienation which is nothing but a feeling of disenchantment or disillusionment.

Marx states that religion is also a form of alienation where the individual gives up his own creative spirit and the ability to control his life in the belief of the supernatural being.  According to Marx in such a situation, religion provides one with false consciousness of being united in devotion to the supernatural. With the term, ‘Opium of Masses’ he intends to state that this feeling of betterment keeps the group from noticing that they are being collectively deprived. The exploitation of the bourgeoisie by the proletariat is then hidden in plain sight, which religious orientation tries to conceal.

Furthermore, Marx colludes with Weberian analysis that Protestantism played an instrumental role in the emergence of Capitalism as it rendered to the commercial needs of the merchants of that time.  With ideals such as hard work, calling, doctrine of predestination, the workers were made to conform to the profit accruing nature of capitalism which benefited the capitalists. Marx suggests that religion exists as a justification for the state and society collusion where there is an ideological tool that is used to suppress the masses by the wealthy elites.

In giving human beings the status of a creator, Marx laments, “Man makes religion, religion does not make man”, however as people forget that they have endowed man like qualities in God, they believe that the supernatural force has a life of its own and it controls man’s destiny.  It is only in the hands of man, then to destroy what he creates. Marx suggested that the secularization of society will ultimately liberate people from the clutches of social oppression. Thus, in the ultimate stage of communism, religion will not continue to be an institution of much importance and its illusory effect will collapse.

Question #2. Religion can drive social change as well as social stability. Comment.

Religion refers to a set of beliefs and dogmas, rites and rituals, which are collectively followed by adherents. Sociologists believe that the institution of religion has a profound impact on the nature of the society.

Thinkers of the early order such as Auguste Comte envisioned religion to play but a small role in the infancy of the society. Society is said to pass through three stages, namely, Theological, Metaphysical, and culminating in the Positivist stage, where religion allows human societies to make sense of the external supernatural sources, however its role is thus limited.

On the other hand, Karl Marx highlighted the destructive impact of religion on the consciousness of the masses. He states that religion is an ideological tool that the elites use to oppress the masses. He went on to say that it is through religion that the have-nots or the bourgeoisie are made to live under an illusion. It maintains the status quo in the society as it prevents the workers from revolting, and furthers their exploitation.  

Emile Durkheim in his work on Elementary Forms of Religious Life examined the role of religion to be that of maintaining solidarity and cohesion. Championing the functionalist perspective Durkheim felt that social congregations provided theists with a sense of collective effervescence which brought them together. Therefore through elaborate rituals and rites, individuals would contribute to the functioning of the collectivity by strengthening social bonds leading to social stability.

However religion can also drive social change. Max Weber’s work on Protestant Ethics and the Spirit of Capitalism highlighted the impact of Calvinist ethos on Capitalist economic order. He emphasized on the doctrine of predestination, notion of calling, glory of god as some Protestant ethics which fostered accumulation of wealth, hard work, acceptance of profession, thereby ushering Capitalism.

Religion also acts as an agent of change when traditional doctrines are reinterpreted and realigned with the principle of justice, equality, liberty and fraternity based on the principle of humanism. In the Indian context, new religious denominations such as Buddhism, Sufism point to the reformatory nature of religion that drives social change. Furthermore the existence of sects and cults points to the change in organizational form of religion which is reflective of social change.

Hence religion is an institution that can act as an agent of social change and at the same time it can contribute to the stability of the society.