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

• Superior document: Religion in the Americas, Volume 14
• Author: Jindra, Ines W.
• Place / Publishing House: Leiden, [The Netherlands] : : Brill,, 2014.; ©2014
• Year of Publication: 2014
• Language: English
• Series: Religion in the Americas series ; v. 14.
• Physical Description: 1 online resource (238 p.)
• Notes: Description based upon print version of record.

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.

Table of 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.