Author:

• Regina Yoshie Matsue - Matsue, R.Y. - São Paulo, SP - Universidade de Fortaleza - <rymatsue08@yahoo.com>

Thematic Area:

Ciências Sociais

Abstract:

This paper analyzes the role of religiosity and the impact of the social network in the Brazilian migrants’ lives in Japan. Despite of being in Japan for more than two decades, the Brazilians are not integrated in the local society. This state of social alienation causes a negative effect on the health condition of the migrants, making them prone to mental and physical distress. The lack of language skills prevent the migrants to look for professional help, even though they look for it they cannot express themselves properly. In this context, the migrants found support among their compatriots and religious groups. This essay is based on an ethnographic research carried out in Japan during the year of 2003 to 2006 and focus on the work and activities of the Catholics among the Brazilian migrants. The data collection was based on 15 semi-structured interviews 15 which were carried out among the members. Besides the religious support, the group offers to the migrants a space of social network for their daily lives in Japan. Therefore, the groups represents for many Brazilians, a place of socialization and social network which help them to overcome their feeling of vulnerability. The ecclesiastic power, on the other hand, regulates the migrants’ behavior through an ethos and a world view legitimized by the group.

Keywords:

Migrant Religion Anomie Vulnerability Social network

Content:

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