Marx: illusion that justifies and legitimises domination of the ruling class (making social order seem inevitable and therefore accepted) and eases the pain of oppression and exploitation (opium of the people) by giving people something to look forward to (afterlife), making a virtue of suffering (reward after death) making poverty more tolerable, giving hope of supernatural solutions to problems in earthly life. Creates a dream world, not true happiness. Under communism, R. would die out, as now exploitation, so no need for R.
social control: Discourages people from trying to change things, as provides justification for status quo (false class consciousness)
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evidence: 'Divine Right', caste system
limitations: religion does not always legitimate power and can sometimes provide impetus for change or lead resistance against oppression (Latin America).