Opus Dei e a santificação do trabalho: uma versão católica da ética protestante?

Abstract

This article analyses the ideal of sanctification of the work of Opus Dei, a Catholic organization with a more conservative nature and target of media coverage and general common sense perceptions. Through mobilization ofthe Weberian perspective of the Protestant work ethic, it is possible to find similarities between (intramundane) asceticism ofOpus Dei and the Puritan work ethic, mainly of a Calvinist slant. To identify common traits, empirical research was carried out in the Metropolitan Areas of Portoand Lisbon, based on interviews with members of Opus Dei. The analysis of the results allowed us to obtain a deeper knowledge not only about the conception of work and lifestyles, but also about the dynamics of this institution.