Traditionalist Catholicism: The Case of the Society of Saint Pius X in Argentina

Based on the case of the Society of Saint Pius X which I studied ethnographically for my undergraduate thesis, I aim to understand how traditional identity is constructed within this particular sector of Catholicism. As will be seen throughout the text, it is through various educational instances of different kinds and levels of formality and through sociability that certain notions about sexuality, expected family models, and gender roles are transmitted, based on specific moral values. Additionally, a sort of myth of origin is constructed to reinforce the idea of an ‘everlasting’ Catholicism. The Mass ritual, besides synthesising all these elements, helps to remember the myth and reinforce belonging. According to the arguments of its members, this demonstrates a willingness to preserve the forms and maintain a specific order – that of tradition.