Why do individuals leave sects Flashcards
No longer fulfils personal needs
If a person joined a sect to help them cope with a personal crisis, when they recover from the crisis they may feel that the sect has nothing more to offer them. For example, a person may join a sect to help them cope with a major life event, such as death of close relative or friend, divorce or moving to a new place to live.
When they get over the crisis they may no longer have a need for the security and support of a sect. Moreover, a member may join a sect during times of social change when the norms and values of society are challenged. During such times people may be looking for moral guidance in their lives from a sect.
This occurred in the 1960’s when attitudes towards sexual behaviour were challenged by the legalisation of homosexuality and abortion. When society becomes more stable, people’s original reasons for joining the sect the need for membership of the sect may then disappear.
Following a period of experimentation
A person may see membership of a sect as an opportunity to try out a new belief without ever intending to commit themselves to long term membership.
Barker found membership of the Moonies typically lasted a couple of years as young people experimented in a counter culture environment before fully entering the adult world. Such young people tended to be idealistic and were looking for ways to help others in the world.
Moreover, some people may leave a sect after a brief ‘spiritual shopping’ experience. This occurs as some people today act as consumers of religion and have a choice to follow a religion based on their own interests and aspirations. As “spiritual shoppers” people today often have a “do it yourself” approach to belief and may leave a sect if they fail to be satisfied or find a better alternative religion to follow.
