Belgian Beer and Monastic Imagery: An Example of a Charismatic Economy

Territories in Question: Routes in Territories
By Isabelle Jonveaux
English

Abstract

A large part of the Belgian high-quality beer market makes reference to the monastic world, given the secular reputation of Trappist beer. The use of monastic imagery is inversely proportional to actual links with an existing abbey or community. In reaction, monks work to differentiate their product and ensure the functioning of their own economy so as to emphasize monastic specificity. More than a beer, monks want to offer society a different way of consuming through limitation and aestheticization. This is an example of a charismatic economy based on the unique charisma of its producers: a charisma so recognized by society that it is being invested in by the market.

Keywords

  • beer
  • monasticism
  • Belgium
  • monastic economy
  • charisma
Go to the article on Cairn-int.info