7.1c Class Consciousness and False Consciousness

Marx argued that the proletariat would eventually revolt against the bourgeoisie, replacing capitalism with socialism and then with communism. However, for the proletariat to revolt, they must develop class consciousness. Class consciousness is a sense of shared identity within a social class, acknowledging that common problems exist due to a person’s class position. Instead, members of the proletariat often develop a false consciousness. False consciousness is the proletariat’s identification with the bourgeoisie and support for policies that benefit the bourgeoisie while harming the proletariat. For example, people are using a false consciousness when they vote for political candidates who will put policies in place that help people of a different social class and harm themselves.

Photo 7.6

People Voting Against Their Economic Interests Are Exhibiting a False Consciousness

According to Marx, religion is the “opiate of the masses,” supporting the development of false consciousness rather than class consciousness (see Chapter 3). The Bible includes passages that emphasize poverty as a path to heaven and promise that God will reward work and suffering. These passages encourage believers to “accept your lot in life” (Ecclesiastes 9:9) and affirm that “many shall be last; and last first” (Matthew 20:16). Rogers and Koniezcny (2018) reviewed multiple studies of religion and social class that examined different religious traditions such as Pentecostalism, Methodism, Catholicism, and Islam that occurred over time and in varied parts of the world. Their analysis shows that religion can empower people facing poverty. Still, religion also helps preserve the social hierarchy and keeps people poor (Rogers & Konieczny, 2018).