Work

“I am pastor Ana”: conflict and the ethics of everyday life in a favela

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The article presents the ethnographic case of Ana, a Pentecostal evangelical pastor who became involved in a conflict with drug traffickers in a favela in northern Rio de Janeiro. By challenging the traffickers’ power over her housing situation, despite knowing that she risked losing her life as punishment, Ana defended herself through her role in maintaining religious and charitable activities in the community. Although her actions led to intimidation by leaders of the drug-trafficking faction, the conflict had a positive outcome for her. This study is based on participant observation conducted at the research site between 2018 and 2023, as well as in-depth interviews with the study’s principal interlocutor.

Source: Cadernos Metrópole

DOI: 10.1590/2236-9996.2026-6764822-en

Authors: Réia Silvia Gonçalves PEREIRA, Wania MESQUITA, Vânia SIERRA

Institutions: State University of Norte Fluminense, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro

Language: English

Topic: Religion and Society in Latin America

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7204097900

FWCI:

Cites: 13

Cited by:

Related to: 10