Sociology Homework

Explain some of the reason why people choose to join an NRM? 9mrks

People may join a New Religious Movement if they feel marginalised from society. People who feel like they don’t fit into society’s norms and values are usually more likely to join a NRM because the group often offers belonging or identity through purpose and the idea of being special or the ‘elect.’ This is attractive to people as they seek social gratification and are often insecure enough to be manipulated by a charismatic leader.  Examples include the Heaven’s Gate group who claimed to be ‘leaving their vessels’ to reach a level of ‘higher being.’ Many members were labelled ‘nerds’ or ‘techies’ and were therefore attracted to Applewhite’s idea of a beautiful new alien body.

People may also be attracted to a NRM if they are suffering from deprivation. Homeless or poor people may seek a chance of family and shared wealth. However, Celebrities are also among these people. Even though they are not suffering from material deprivation, celebrities often suffer relative deprivation and feel deprived of privacy, freedom of choice, and equality (or trust) in social relationships. Because of this they often seek refuge from this status in a NRM. In the Charles Manson sect for example many members were ex-convicts, students/young people, outcasts and drug addicts. None of these people had substantial wealth. In scientology we also see example in the celebrity membership of Tom Cruise and John Travolta. The difference between material and relative deprivation is often split between the type of NRM (sect or cult).

Furthermore new members to NRMs are likely to be going through a social transition or a major life change. These people often joins NRMs to return to normality and give themselves a clear sense of purpose, this may also be to avoid facing the problems in their own lives. NRMs are often very close knit and provide the member with a new family cut off from the outside society. Control is also a popular element in this decision as the structure and discipline in a NRM, combined with elements of faith and assurance of life after death (or lack of) may draw in people who have experienced a major life event out of their control such as bereavement, divorce or moving out of home. In the church of scientology for example members are not allowed contact with the outside world, phones or TVs. People who join Satanism also are likely to have suffered a crisis of faith, and member of Heaven’s Gate, Rio DiAngelo joined after a divorce.