POLS1102 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: False Consciousness, Critical Theory, Antonio Gramsci
Document Summary
When power is seen as legitimate, the wielder has authority. Implies "yes, if power is being wielded illegitimately" To determine what gets talked about (implies other things ignored) Doesn"t guarantee x outcome, but is still a form of power. Harder- a religion may shape what you believe is important (eg. heaven exists, tel. False consciousness: an idea promoted by powerful/dominant groups as "the truth" con behave in ways which suits the powerful. "religion is the opium of the masses" marx. Obscures their interests so they do not fully understand it. "ban the burqa" good illustration of liberalism vs false-consciousness debate. Liberals: "she should be allowed to choose how to dress - don"t ban it" Majority of feminists: "she suffers from false-consciousness, she accepts allah say be isolated from society by covering face - ban it" "i know what this person"s interests are better than they do" Many americans suffering false consciousness under the american dream.
