Moral Entrepreneuring in Japan: A Labeling Theory Analysis of the Salvation Army's Efforts
Using the Salvation Army's efforts in Japan as a case study, this article seeks to demonstrate the usefulness of labeling theory in the analysis of missionary efforts. The moral entrepreneuring nature of missionary enterprises and the manner in which these symbolic crusades can pose challenges...
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Format: | Electronic Article |
Language: | English |
Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
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Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
Published: |
Sage Publications
1998
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In: |
Review of religious research
Year: 1998, Volume: 40, Issue: 1, Pages: 35-54 |
Online Access: |
Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) Volltext (lizenzpflichtig) |
Parallel Edition: | Non-electronic
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Summary: | Using the Salvation Army's efforts in Japan as a case study, this article seeks to demonstrate the usefulness of labeling theory in the analysis of missionary efforts. The moral entrepreneuring nature of missionary enterprises and the manner in which these symbolic crusades can pose challenges to those who control the deviance process in a society is examined. Particular consideration is given to crusades by Salvationists against the prostitution trade and alcohol consumption, as well as their evangelism and other social welfare programs. Success in these programs was far from guaranteed. They confronted an entrenched power structure in Japan that was selective in choosing what it wanted from foreign missions and successful in many ways in transforming mission efforts into programs that suited its interests. Resistance to missionary designs included the Japanese government's offering of incentives for mission programs that utilized deviance designations that were less conflictual. Programs were adapted to meet social welfare needs with novel but acceptable methods. |
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ISSN: | 2211-4866 |
Contains: | Enthalten in: Review of religious research
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Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.2307/3512458 |