Charismatic Authority in the Community Identity: The Example of Austrasbērni

Community members are typically united through shared beliefs, rituals, and other practices; however, the formation of community identity may be profoundly shaped by charismatic authorities who legitimize shifts in collective orientations [Weber 1947: 363]. Within the Latvian cultural context, such charismatic figures often act as primary catalysts for community development, at times exerting greater influence than formal political structures. Given the limited scholarly attention devoted to the phenomenon of singer-songwriters in Latvia, this article examines the community of Latvian singer-songwriters known as Austrasbērni. The community’s designation (transl. “Austra’s children”) itself signals the influence of a particular authority on its identity. Accordingly, the article aims to conceptualize charismatic authority within the framework of community identity and to assess its role in shaping the identity of Austrasbērni. Drawing on interviews with community members, the study demonstrates that the community’s identity is fundamentally rooted in the personality of its founder, Austra Pumpure, whose activities warrant her interpretation as a charismatic authority and whose enduring ideas continue to reflect her personal influence.