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Spirituality and neoliberalism: Self in Chilean New Age participants

Abstract

In recent decades, Latin America has observed the massification of so-called alternative spiritualities, such as the Nueva Era (New Age). This research sought to explore the Self of New Age participants within a neoliberal context of subjective transformation. Data was collected by semi-structured life history interviews carried out with six New Age practitioners from southern Chile. Content analysis of the interviewees’ stories revealed dimensions in the participants’ Self, such as: empowerment, search for fulfillment, reluctance of formal institutions, redemption, a therapist in relationships, which can be conceptualized based on neoliberal elements, resulting compatible with the idea of a spiritual entrepreneur and consumer present in this spirituality of self-worship.

Keywords:
New Age; neoliberalism; Self; agency; community

Instituto de Psicologia da Universidade de São Paulo Av. Prof. Mello Moraes, 1721 - Bloco A, sala 202, Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira, 05508-900 São Paulo SP - Brazil - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: revpsico@usp.br