A new model of religious conversion : beyond network theory and social constructivism / by Ines W. Jindra.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Jindra, Ines W.

Series:

Religion in the Americas series ; v. 14.

Religion in the Americas, 1542-1279 ; Volume 14

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Conversion.

Conversion--Case studies.

Conversion--Psychology.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (238 p.)

Place of Publication:

Leiden, [The Netherlands] : Brill, 2014.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Based on the analysis of 52 conversion narratives to various religious groups, A New Model of Religious Conversion utilizes case studies for comparison of converts' backgrounds, network influence, and conversion narratives. The author convincingly illustrates a \'fit\' between the converts' background and the religion they convert to, such as between disorganized family backgrounds and highly structured religions. Conversely, those from highly structured backgrounds often convert to more \'open\' groups. The book also makes it clear that not all conversions are influenced by networks or align themselves with a social constructivist view of a conversion as an \'account.\' Taking converts' trajectories seriously, the author makes a strong case for the application of biographical sociology to the study of conversion and (American) sociology overall.

Contents:

Preliminary Material

Conversions in Context: On the Interaction between the Personal and the Social

Case Studies, the Key Concept and Converts’ Background Experiences

Network Influence, Strong Social Constructivism and the Backgrounds of Conversion

Altering a (Problematic) Trajectory, Religious Content, and Conversion

Gender and Conversion

Conclusion

Appendix. Methodology

Bibliography

Index.

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

90-04-26650-X

OCLC:

871225196

Publisher Number:

10.1163/9789004266506 DOI