MIGRATION, RELIGION AND FACEBOOK: A STUDY ON THE ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORKS IN THE RELIGIOUS PRACTICES OF CATHOLICS

Abstract

The research aims to further understand the relationship between Catholic migrants from some Northern provinces to the capital Hanoi and the role played by Facebook in their religious practice. Relying on a mixed perspective combining traditional ethnography (offline ethnography) and online ethnography, this study argues that migration to the capital Hanoi has led to changes in the religious practices of Catholics coming from rural areas. However, thanks to Facebook, these Catholic migrants can have more connections to each other, and become closer to their home church and more interested in their religion. This study points out: 1. Facebook as virtual churches- “other” spaces to maintain migrants’ religious practices; 2. Facebook as an online library of “spiritual guidance” for the religious practice of migrants; 3. Facebook is a means of evangelization, inspiration, and awakening migrants who are losing their religion, and 4. Facebook is a means of connecting Catholic migrants with their homeland/church.