"Religion prevents social change by disguising exploitation and inequality". Critically evaluate the statement with reference to Marx and Weber's theory of Religion.

1. is a farm of oppression
2. a farm of defence for proletariats to cope with uncertainties of capitalism.

Thus religion is a sigh of spiritless, opium of masses; blurring the structure of their exploitation by making them have solace in concepts of -

1. Poor being spiritful, thus close to God.
2. This birth's exploitation would be righted in next birth.
3. Oppressed are God's child.
4. Some day, supernatural phenomena would rid them of this drudgery.

Thus religion disguises exploitation and

inequality and serves as a method of exploitation and prevent social change and revolution. But it can only postpone it because Marx views religion as part of superstructure, which will change with change in infrastructure.

Critique

1. Deterministic model
2. Views economic relations only as source of religion
3. Neglects binding aspect of religion, which can stage a revolution.

Weber's views He says that religion and religion views can cause social change. He contradicts Marx and argues that religion is not always shaped by economic factors but reverse also happens. In his work, 'Protestant ethic and spirit of capitalism', he identifies a particular form of religion - Protestantism and its associated values - ascedism, self discipline, austerity to be conducive for social change - transition from feudalism and traditional capitalism to rational modern capitalism.

He says that religion provides motivation and also inhibits, like Hinduism, Buddhism

inhibited social change due to their other-worldly values.

Criticism

1. "Early capitalism preceded and determined Protestantism. Protestantism is an ideology used by capitalists for legitimization" — Marxist.
2. Some protestant countries didn't see growth of capitalism.