Les “sectes” vues par les “religions”: le discours médiatique des prêtres et des pasteurs en Argentine

Abstract

On the basis of “labelling theory” hypotheses and the constructivist perspective to social problems, the author analyses the way certain actors contribute to lending non-traditional religious behaviours a label of deviance. This strategy aims at mobilizing forces designed to place obstacles in the path of their adversaries' actions, while favouring their own. The author examines opinions concerning sects broadcast in Argentinian media by Catholic priests, evangelical pastors or those belonging to other historical Protestant churches, with a view to establishing their role in the process of defining religious deviation by ratifying—or opposing—the hegemonic interpretation proposed by local organizations opposed to sects. The media profiles of ministers of these three religious groups alter proportionately as the controversy unfolds and in function of the legitimacy acquired by the various actors involved.