why do people join sects?

Question 1

Marginalisation

Answer 1

sects may result from a search for more genuine ways of satisfying spiritual needs and are more likely to emerge amongst the poor. such groups may develop a ‘theodicy of disprivilege’ - a religious set of ideas which explains why they are in that position
A03 Moonies recruited from mainly affluent groups.

Question 2

Relative deprivation

Answer 2

Some members of MC may feel deprived compared to other groups. For example, they may have social deprivation which stems from a lack of power, prestige and status. Those lacking job satisfaction may find alternative sources of satisfaction in goals set by conversionist sects
A03 postmodernism

Question 3

social change

Answer 3

changes may create anomie which is a sense of normlessness or insecurity and uncertainty over social guidelines for behaviour. This is because raid change undermines traditional norms and values. Wilson argues the popularity of world-accommodating groups was a reaction to anxieties created by industrialisation and urbanisation

Question 4

status frustration

Answer 4

people feel unhappy about the position they find themselves in society. this is particularly associated with young people experiencing a long period of transition from childhood to adulthood. NAMs are most likely to appeal to young people because they offer them an identity and over coke a sense of status frustration