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Santa del Pueblo: The Saint of the People.The possible canonisation of Eva Perón: Intersections of political, cultural, and religious discourse
University of Gävle, Faculty of Education and Business Studies, Department of Humanities, Religious studies.
2025 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
Abstract [en]

AbstractThis study analyses the potential canonization of Eva Perón (known as Evita) by examining various aspects such as political, cultural, and religious dimensions. The research takes a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach, integrating theories of power and ideology, critical discourse analysis, studies, cultural, religious, and feminist perspectives to explore the complexity of Evita’s legacy and the role of advocacy groups like the Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT)1, the historical trade union of Argentina, founded in 1930.The study focuses on two main concepts: cultural religion and political religion. In Argentina, cultural religion has elevated Evita’s image beyond politics, embedding her as a cultural icon through rituals and popular culture, thus sustaining her saintly persona. On the other hand, political religion highlights how Peronist movements sacralise Evita’s image to further their political agendas, with the CGT’s support for her canonization reflecting this strategy.In the Catholic Church, the canonization process, governed by Canon Law, includes meticulous procedures such as verifying miracles and assessing virtuous lives. In Eva’s case, this reveals tensions between formal religious protocols and popular devotion, although the principle of “Vox Populi, Vox Dei!” (The voice of the people is the voice of God!) was the one that governed the canonization process in its beginnings. The interplay between these dimensions showcases the complex nature of canonization, where different forms of legitimacy and authority clash.The study also tries to analyse the theories of social movements and collective memory to illustrate how various social groups use arguments surrounding Evita’s canonization to shape public memory. Proponents argue that her alleged sainthood would honour her contributions to social justice, while opponents see it as a politicisation of religious processes. Feminist perspectives highlight the dual nature of Evita’s portrayal: as a traditional saintly figure and as a politically active woman challenging patriarchal norms, enriching feminist discourse.Eva Perón’s life, from her humble beginnings to her significant political and cultural impact, embodies qualities often associated with sainthood, making her a compelling subject of study and a figure of immense importance not only in Argentine history and culture but also in the panoply of figures who changed the world.The contemporary push for her canonization by the CGT underscores not only her enduring influence but also the continuous public fascination with her legacy, a testament to the lasting impact of her life and work.This research aims to enhance the understanding of how political, cultural, and religious narratives intertwine in the case of Eva Perón, offering insights into the broader implications of how her potential canonization can illustrate the continuous movements of today’s secular and religious world.

Keywords:Canonization, Eva Perón, political religion, cultural religion, Peronism, advocacy, social justice, feminism, collective memory.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025. , p. 124
National Category
Religious Studies
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-47425OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hig-47425DiVA, id: diva2:1972143
Subject / course
Religious studies
Educational program
Master Programme in Religious Studies
Supervisors
Examiners
Available from: 2025-06-19 Created: 2025-06-18 Last updated: 2025-10-02Bibliographically approved

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CiteExportLink to record
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Citation style
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