The Lao Hmong Refugees in San Diego: Their Religious Transformation and its Implications for Geertz's Thesis
Author(s):
Scott, George M, Jr
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
Ethnic Studies Report, Volume 5, Issue 2 (1987-07). pp. 32-46.
Language:
English
Abstract:
An application of Clifford Geertz's thesis (Islam Observed: Religious Development in Morroco and Indonesia, Chicago: U of Chicago Press, 1968) that the religious transformation caused by the impact of modernization is best viewed as one from faith to reasons, or from religiousness to religious-mindedness, is applied to the religious change among the Lao Hmong refugees in San Diego, Calif. Analysis of data from interviews among the Hmong community (N not given), participant observation in the homes of several families, & observation of religious practices, all conducted in 1979, indicates that their traditional rituals, once components of everyday life, are now presented only once a year as theatrical performances during their New Year celebration. This process confirms & refines Geertz's thesis, demonstrating that this transformation is carried out by individual believers as a means of preserving their traditional ethnic identity. 28 References. Modified AA