Suchergebnisse

Examines the origins, growth, appeal, & current situation of Protestant fundamentalism in Latin America, focusing on the emergence & influence of the fundamentalist impulse in indigenous & missionary-founded churches. Analysis of the growth of evangelism in Latin America, 1960-1990, reveals how it drew support as a reaction against communism & Catholicism, protesting the values of traditional Hispanic society & becoming an antielitist, grassroots movement. This is seen in the conflict with Catholic liberation theology & growth of the Latin American Evangelical Confraternity & associated churches & organizations, which promoted the centrality of the Bible & a complete withdrawal from direct political action. It is argued that Latin American fundamentalism is a form of North American cultural & ideological influence that alienates fundamentalists from the often poor sociopolitical condition of their fellow Latin Americans as demonstrated via the activities of US missionaries & evangelists. It is concluded that, by addressing the concerns of lower & lower-middle social classes, evangelical fundamentalists have ensured their continued success in Latin America, which could grow significantly with a theological shift toward political & social activism. 2 Tables, Bibliog. T. Arnold

An introductory chapter discusses the diversity of expressions of defiance. It is noted that the book does not include a representative sample of all kinds of protest movements, but focuses instead on using a historical-structural perspective to reveal common patterns in movements with varied social bases/goals, & different sociopolitical contexts. A framework is provided for understanding the forms, origins, & outcomes of defiance. Although economic relations/conditions are considered the primary cause of defiance, the influence of political, gender, racial, & ethnic conflicts is acknowledged. Contextual factors that shape responses to grievances are described, & it is maintained that local institutional arrangements, class alliances, state structures, & global forces each help to determine how shared grievances are perceived & combated. An examination of the social bases of defiance & structural features that affect outcomes of defiance looks at subordination & domination in relation to the relations of production, other market-based tensions, & resistance grounded in gender, politics, or race/ethnicity. Elite responses to defiance are discussed, along with features of Latin America's heritage that have created unique patterns of protest. 40 References. J. Lindroth

An introductory chapter discusses the diversity of expressions of defiance. It is noted that the book does not include a representative sample of all kinds of protest movements, but focuses instead on using a historical-structural perspective to reveal common patterns in movements with varied social bases/goals, & different sociopolitical contexts. A framework is provided for understanding the forms, origins, & outcomes of defiance. Although economic relations/conditions are considered the primary cause of defiance, the influence of political, gender, racial, & ethnic conflicts is acknowledged. Contextual factors that shape responses to grievances are described, & it is maintained that local institutional arrangements, class alliances, state structures, & global forces each help to determine how shared grievances are perceived & combated. An examination of the social bases of defiance & structural features that affect outcomes of defiance looks at subordination & domination in relation to the relations of production, other market-based tensions, & resistance grounded in gender, politics, or race/ethnicity. Elite responses to defiance are discussed, along with features of Latin America's heritage that have created unique patterns of protest. 40 References. J. Lindroth

In this reprint from Parameters (Spring 2001), the author examines the future of democracy in Latin America. Discussion is divided into three parts. The first section focuses on the following issues: the importance of democracy for U.S. interests; the various forms of democracy in Latin America, & how the U.S. can encourage further democratization; & finally destabilization & de-democratizing trends in the region. The second section explores the growing presence "authoritarian democracy" in the region, & part three offers policy recommendations for U.S. & Latin American leaders. J. Harwell

Examines protests carried out by the popular classes in Latin America to oppose austerity measures implemented by international creditors or imposed by state governments to alleviate foreign debts. A description of the debt crisis facing many Latin American countries emphasizes its magnitude & its roots in global patterns of accumulation & developmental goals of dependent states. The economic situation in Latin America is analyzed in relation to interacting states & international actors, including the International Monetary Fund. Austerity measures undertaken by various nations are described, along with the wave of popular protests that emerged in response. It is noted that, between 1976 & 1986, over half of the major countries of Latin America & the Caribbean experienced social upheavals as the result of austerity measures. The motives, forms, membership, & consequences of these popular protests are examined, & it is argued that their importance must not be viewed as a separate determinant of change, but as part of the multiple forces involved in reshaping state & society. 2 Tables, 22 References. J. Lindroth

Examines protests carried out by the popular classes in Latin America to oppose austerity measures implemented by international creditors or imposed by state governments to alleviate foreign debts. A description of the debt crisis facing many Latin American countries emphasizes its magnitude & its roots in global patterns of accumulation & developmental goals of dependent states. The economic situation in Latin America is analyzed in relation to interacting states & international actors, including the International Monetary Fund. Austerity measures undertaken by various nations are described, along with the wave of popular protests that emerged in response. It is noted that, between 1976 & 1986, over half of the major countries of Latin America & the Caribbean experienced social upheavals as the result of austerity measures. The motives, forms, membership, & consequences of these popular protests are examined, & it is argued that their importance must not be viewed as a separate determinant of change, but as part of the multiple forces involved in reshaping state & society. 2 Tables, 22 References. J. Lindroth

Focuses on the contrasting cases of Brazil & Colombia to examine how lower-class movements grounded in liberation theology differ depending on specific national &/or local conditions. Although linking religion & structures of political protest is not a new phenomenon, the emergence of "base communities" (CEBs) in Latin America represents the first time the center of decision making has rested with groups of poor people. However, little attention has been given to the diversity of CEBs in different settings or to the complicated connections between the CEBs & politics. Brazilian CEBs emerged in the late 1960s as progressive models within worldwide Catholic forums. Conversely, Colombia used CEBs to advance the Vatican line & limit grass-roots activism. A discussion of underlying conceptual & theoretical issues is followed by a description of the life histories of two lay activists, one from Brazil & the other from Colombia, to show how the CEBs changed their lives & communities, as well as how national/international differences determined the nature of popular religious attitudes, practices, & organizations in both nations. 62 References. J. Lindroth

Focuses on the contrasting cases of Brazil & Colombia to examine how lower-class movements grounded in liberation theology differ depending on specific national &/or local conditions. Although linking religion & structures of political protest is not a new phenomenon, the emergence of "base communities" (CEBs) in Latin America represents the first time the center of decision making has rested with groups of poor people. However, little attention has been given to the diversity of CEBs in different settings or to the complicated connections between the CEBs & politics. Brazilian CEBs emerged in the late 1960s as progressive models within worldwide Catholic forums. Conversely, Colombia used CEBs to advance the Vatican line & limit grass-roots activism. A discussion of underlying conceptual & theoretical issues is followed by a description of the life histories of two lay activists, one from Brazil & the other from Colombia, to show how the CEBs changed their lives & communities, as well as how national/international differences determined the nature of popular religious attitudes, practices, & organizations in both nations. 62 References. J. Lindroth

An introduction to The Church at the Grassroots in Latin America focuses on the evolution of the progressive church from a formidable popular movement to the margins of a religious movement more concerned with dogma than societal transformation. It is argued that the Catholic Left's decline reflects changes in the general society during the so-called postauthoritarian period of the last decade. The rise & fall of the progressive church are traced, noting pessimistic referrals to the death of "people's Catholicism" in the recent literature. Contributors focus more on the subtle contributions of the progressive church to social change at the grassroots level, such as the legacy of an enhanced ability to organize & fight for democratic change. The essays document the political, social, & cultural changes generated by the progressive intervention & show how the project has assumed different forms in varying circumstances. A synopsis of each chapter is included. 36 References. J. Lindroth