From Gregarious Syncretism to Reflexive Individualism: a Critical Review of New Age Studies in Latin America

This article reviews the recent scholarship on the New Age in Latin America, and contributes with a theoretical framework predicated on the rise of reflexive individualism. It questions claims that gregariousness and radical autonomy are distinctive traits of a “Latin American New Age,” and also poi...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: D'Andrea, Anthony 1970- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Springer International Publishing [2018]
In: International journal of Latin American religions
Year: 2018, Volume: 2, Issue: 2, Pages: 176-190
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Latin America / New Age / Syncretism / Interpersonal relationship / Individualism
RelBib Classification:AG Religious life; material religion
AZ New religious movements
KBR Latin America
NCB Personal ethics
Further subjects:B Spirituality
B Argentina
B New Religious Movements
B Reflexivity
B Globalization
B Individualism
B Brazil
B Mexico
B Alternative religiosities
B Self
B Giddens
Online Access: Volltext (Verlag)
Description
Summary:This article reviews the recent scholarship on the New Age in Latin America, and contributes with a theoretical framework predicated on the rise of reflexive individualism. It questions claims that gregariousness and radical autonomy are distinctive traits of a “Latin American New Age,” and also points out a misguided trend to misclassify unqualified syncretic groups as “New Age.” These scholarly effects stem from methodological, conceptual, and disciplinary biases. Rather than being specifically Latin American features, gregariousness, syncretism, and autonomy are also abundantly found across North America and Western Europe. What is particularly distinctive about the New Age (globally and in Latin America) is how religious, scientific, and therapeutic traditions are retooled for the reflexive cultivation of the self.
ISSN:2509-9965
Contains:Enthalten in: International journal of Latin American religions
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1007/s41603-018-0050-9