Cults: Faith, Healing and Coercion
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Oxford University Press Inc
Published:2nd Sep '99
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Hardback£59.00(9780195123692)
Why do people join cults? How do cults exert such a strong influence over their members' beliefs and even their appearance? These and other questions about the operation of cult groups are answered in this unique book. The psychological forces that enable cults to exert their intense influence are analysed in detail and with many examples. These forces include social cohesiveness, which has its parallels in the ties that bind family members together; shared beliefs, which set the groups' standards for behaviour; and altered consciousness, which can lead to a rapid change in the attitudes of recruits and members. For this second edition, Galanter has added three new chapters on cult developments of the 1990s -- the Branch Davidians, Aum Shinrikyo, and Heaven's Gate. The books also features 32 new photographs.
Praise for the first edition: "Anyone wishing to understand the psychodynamics of [charismatic groups] should pick up Cults....[Galanter] has been a student of cult-like activity for the better part of two decades; this book represents a thoughtful and provocative summation of what he has learned."--Mark Silk, The New York Times Book Review. "[Galanter] encourages us to think carefully about the extent to which our society can tolerate pluralism, innovation, and 'deviance.'...Galanter's approach gives us an urgently needed framework that can improve the quality of discussions about cults."--The Christian Century "Marc has brought us up to date in the latest, mostly cultic movements, which the students need."--Philip K. Armour, Ph.d., University of Texas at Dallas "Very interesting. Case approach adds interest as well."--Lesley A. Northup, Florida International University Praise for the first edition: "Anyone wishing to understand the psychodynamics of [charismatic groups] should pick up Cults....[Galanter] has been a student of cult-like activity for the better part of two decades; this book represents a thoughtful and provocative summation of what he has learned."--Mark Silk, The New York Times Book Review. "[Galanter] encourages us to think carefully about the extent to which our society can tolerate pluralism, innovation, and 'deviance.'...Galanter's approach gives us an urgently needed framework that can improve the quality of discussions about cults."--The Christian Century
ISBN: 9780195123708
Dimensions: 156mm x 238mm x 21mm
Weight: 435g
304 pages
2nd Revised edition