Activism in the Amazon: possible links between gender, religion and State

Abstract

The article discusses the relevance of social activism in the Amazon, reflecting on the context of its origins and on the relationship established with State. The articulation of groups engaged in a 'cause' starts from the initiative of the Catholic Church, notably inspired by the Liberation Theology. The region of Transamazônica road is especially emphasized because of its strong path of social mobilization. In this region, the Basic Ecclesial Communities inspired people to organize their demands to different sectors of State through distinct strategies such as parades, letters, caravans to Brasília etc. The female engagement, understood as a consequence of Catholic action in the region, produced a specific form of claim, as discussed.