Building networks between families and evangelical churches in poverty contexts in Córdoba, Argentina

Abstract

This paper consists in a comparative case study that analyzes institutional practices deployed by two Protestant churches in the place Malvinas Argentinas, Province of Córdoba. The main purpose of our work is to explain and understand the strategies used by these two religious institutions through the study of the connections between family life and churches. This analysis first considers the fact that Argentina has experienced an increase in Protestant churches and their followers, while Catholic population has been decreasing. This situation is taking place because of an Evangelical population enlargement, partly due to their ability to provide solutions, through speeches and practices, to many believers' various immediate symbolic and material needs. We conclude that building social networks is one of the mechanisms used by both, the institutions and the families involved in this study, to ensure frequent and generational sustenance.