1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910464704303321

Autore

Jindra Ines W

Titolo

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

Pubbl/distr/stampa

Leiden, [The Netherlands] : , : Brill, , 2014

©2014

ISBN

90-04-26650-X

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (238 p.)

Collana

Religion in the Americas, , 1542-1279 ; ; Volume 14

Disciplina

204/.2

Soggetti

Conversion

Conversion - Psychology

Electronic books.

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Description based upon print version of record.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Nota di contenuto

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.

Sommario/riassunto

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.