Ideology as Response: Cultural and Political Process in the Sanctuary Movement

Abstract

This paper examines the ideology ofthe Sanctuary Movement on beha!f of Salvadoran and Guatemalan refugees displaced by domestic turmoil and war. This movement coalesced in the United States in the 1980s out of disparate efforts to assist particular refugees. Three interpretations of the role ideology are assessed: ideology as a resource for pursuing interests; ideology as a value system informing grievances; and ideology as socially-constructed frames realigned through discourse. It tsfound that core aspects of the ideology of the Sanctuary Movement emerged as individuals and church congregations came to terms with the needs and actions of those they helped and the U.S.government's opposition. Much of the ideology of the Sanctuary Movement was worked out by participants as they acted after the movement was underway. Anaiysis of ideology as a response is essenttal to relate the Sanctuary Movement to both the broader political culture and the political process with which it engaged.