Religion as a factor of integration: symbols, religious practice and social networks around the Venezuelan immigrant in Chile (1990-2023)

Abstract

Migration is a phenomenon that has accompanied humanity since its beginnings and, as such, has generated repercussions in different areas of human activity, both in the territory of arrival and in the migrants’ territory of origin. Within the context of mobility, people tend to bring with them various elements that constitute a fundamental part of their identity, one of which is religion. Although religion can be controversial, it is also a potential factor for integration in the new society, since it allows for connection with the territory of origin through known references. At the same time, it promotes the creation of social networks with compatriots with whom they share a history and a certain way of experiencing religion. In this line, we will try to elucidate how religion has helped Venezuelan immigrants to integrate into the country. To carry out this objective, semi—structured interviews were conducted with Venezuelan immigrants attending the Sacramentinos Church —Catholics—, located in the commune of Santiago. As a final aim, this study pretends to contribute to the understanding of religion as a determinant element: in the life of people —particularly migrants—, in society and in historical phenomena in general.