SOCIOL 101 Lecture Notes - Lecture 12: Totem, For Marx
Document Summary
Later thinkers (20-21th century) have updated or modified marx"s ideas. In 20th century, people saw middle class grow, small businesses. Against marx: core capitalist countries keep other countries underdeveloped and keep them from developing. For marx: agriculture is being commercialized, people are moving to urban areas. Capitalists have convinced workers that existing standards are good. Things are getting better, so workers have a lot to lose with revolution. Working class is internally divided (in regards to race and ethnicity) workers fighting/competing against other workers. Focuses more on the positive engagements in rituals, etc. Positive take on religion in social integration. Each clan (family unit) has a sacred totem. Clan is named after the totem, totem used to represent the group. Claims it is most primitive (original, early) religion. Believes all religions have developed out of this primitive religion. Essential elements of religion can be found. Believes even modern societies needs collective beliefs and values to hold us together.
