Cultural Sustainability: Reflections on The Social Formation of Panambi/RS in The Light of Lutheranism

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to understand German colonization in Panambi, a city located in the Northwest of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, by understanding it as a complex process that involves a variety of historical, economic, social, political and cultural factors of varied dimensions that intertwine to shape the unique character of the city in the light of Lutheranism. Theoretical Framework: Protestantism played a significant role in the formation of the developmental spirit in the South of Brazil, particularly in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Colonies in the South of Brazil and Lutheranism are deeply interconnected, mainly through German immigration, given that these immigrants brought with them cultural, religious and social practices that significantly shaped the region. Method: The research follows methodological paths of an applied nature and a qualitative approach. Regarding procedures, a bibliographic review, documentary research and case study are used. Data interpretation is anchored in categorical content analysis. Results and Discussion: The research results point to local development, the emergence of companies, with community ties strengthening the tripod: religion, school and work. A process of cultural identification in the municipality had strong German influences, from the religious Lutheranism, focused on the world of work. This journey contributed to the strengthening and dissemination of a social imaginary that reinforces the relationship between colonization and the Lutheran Church, and, associated with it, the school, which sustains and preserves German culture, generating “Germanness”. Thus, this peculiarity lived and experienced by the social agents who colonized Panambi, created a social system that, although in constant adaptation, maintains the relationship between Germanness, church, entrepreneurship to boost local development. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by addressing the sociocultural formation of the city of Panambi, given that this development shapes the unique characteristics of the city, influencing its growth, urban structure, social dynamics and cultural identity.