The Religion of the Poor: Escape or Creative Force?

Abstract

This study presents an alternative explanation of low-income religious behavior other than as a compensation for the conditions of lower-class life or as an escape from those conditions. The argument is made that the religion of the poor contributes in significant and positive ways to the processes of identity formation and to the development and maintenance of cultural values and norms. The immediate social environment of the religious service provides a context in which identities are dynamically and dramatically conferred, developed, and reinforced. With regards to the larger social evnrionment, the religion of the poor, first of all, offers a challenge to the hierarchical structure of the general status system. And, secondly, the religion of the poor offers an understanding of tragedy and suffering that is frequently lacking from the sensibilities of the religious nonpoor.