Working the way to Santiago de Compostela: Masculinities and spiritualities of capitalism

Abstract

The chapter discusses the current reanimation of the Camino, the ancient pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, with a focus on the Swedish participation. The chapter argues that the Camino pilgrimage offers cultural material for performances of masculinity related to physical endurance and bodily strength. Gendered notions are at the heart of the Camino pilgrimage as an authentic pilgrimage involves an inner journey associated with feminine qualities as well as an outer journey that has masculine connotations. The chapter suggests that walking as a ritual is tied to an ethos of hard work, either embraced or renegotiated by pilgrims in gendered ways. In this sense, the Camino pilgrimage represents a "spirituality of capitalism" that deals with the experiences and effects of the organization of work in contemporary society.