MIGRATION AND SPIRITUAL LIFE: THE EXPERIENCE OF MOBILITY IN THE TRANSFORMATION OF THE RELIGIOSITY OF MEXICAN MIGRANTS

Abstract

The mobility experience leaves deep impressions on the emotional realms of those who depart from their place of birth. Among many things, identities referential are transformed and practical references of everyday life are modified. In this article, the author shows how the experience of mobility – specially, emigration to the United States – also involves Mexicans´ religious practices and beliefs for those who emigrate. This impact is reflected, among other aspects, in the transnational traditional religious practices, in certain conversion processes, and the influence of ethnic groups in religious diversity representation. Keywords : Religion; Transnationalism; Mexico A experiencia da mobilidade deixa uma profunda impressao no âmbito emocional daqueles que deixam o seu local de origem. Entre outras coisas, os referenciais identitarios sao transformados e as referencias praticas da vida cotidiana sao modificadas. Nesse artigo, a autora mostra como a experiencia da mobilidade – particularmente a emigracao para os Estados Unidos – tambem envolve as praticas religiosas e crencas dos mexicanos que migram. O impacto e refletido, entre outros aspectos, na transnacionalizacao de praticas religiosas tradicionais, certos processos de conversao e a influencia da etnia na representacao da diversidade religiosa. Palavras-chave : Religiao; Transnacionalismo; Mexico