Techniques of Conversion

There are many theories on how New Religious Movement's recruit new members. One of the most popular explanations is that of brainwashing, which is believed to be counteracted by the process of "deprogramming". Other examples include pressure and deception.

Pressure is a key factor in recruiting, as Eileen Barker confirms in her book New Religious Movements, "... many of the NRMs put the potential convert under considerable pressure to join" (p.17). This pressure can either be the negative kind, which can take the form of inducing feelings of guilt, or the positive kind in which "... the individual is showered with attention and instant affection" (p.17).

Deception is more of a perverse act of gaining followers; some NRMs prey upon the weak minded and take advantage of them. Jim Jones, for example, convinced people that he was a Prophet; he also persuaded many homeless people and those belonging to minority groups to join The Peoples Temple. He took advantage of their downtrodden state and gave them the prospect of hope if they joined his group.

The "Brainwashing Thesis" came into public use during the Korean War (1950's), as an explanation for why some American GI's had defected to Communism. It came into popular use again during the 1960's - 70's when various cult movements were being accused of "brainwashing" the youth.

It is often an easy way of explaining why someone has joined a cult. For example, a young girl runs away from home to join a cult. Her parents might consider the act as "out of character", or find that their child has "changed" next time they see her, and so conclude that she has been brainwashed, when the difference in personality could just be the result of personal growth.

Brainwashing is also an easy excuse for having joined a cult and behaved in a certain way. It would be easy for members of the most violent of groups to claim that they had been brainwashed into doing despicable acts. That's why I think the brainwashing thesis is a bit risky, it removes responsibility. The idea of the "Charismatic Leader" with hypnotising eyes is nothing but a stereotype, people often join cults to become liberated, or to find a path in life.

But I do think that acts of pressure and deception are possible, and there are people gullible and lonely enough in the world to succumb to them.

For more information on the origins of brainwashing visit the link below,
http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/cultsect/brainwashing.htm

For more information on Conversion Techniques, I recommend Eileen Barker's book on New Religious Movements.

Natalie Watkins - 0604967