Social Structure and Social Control in Synanon

Ofshe, Richard; Berg, Nancy E.; Coughlin, R. Richard; Dolinajec, Gregory; Gerson, Kathleen; Johnson, A.

doi:10.1177/089976407400300307

Cited by 5 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 1 publication

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“…This more volitional aspect, which is seldom cited in contemporary application of Lifton's work, also contains the three-stage ritual process of healing and salvation seen in so many resocialization settings. Ofshe et al (1974) have suggested a similar threestage "rite of passage" healing and salvation ritual in relation to their studies of Synanon and have contended that the key to self-change and commitment resides in the group or group leader causing the target person to produce behaviors signifying to the target person and others that self-change and commitment exists. By making small demands on the individual within a context of voluntarism or illusory voluntarism (this could be in either a new religion or in a psychotherapist's office), the individual comes to view himself or herself as autonomous and eventually conforms to the new role requirements.…”

Section: Common Functionsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Psychotherapy and new religions in a pluralistic society.

Kilbourne¹,

Richardson²

1984

American Psychologist

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Although some scholars have contended that psychotherapy and new religions are competitors in the therapeutic and experiential marketplace, few attempts have been made to examine the nature of this alleged competition in contemporary society. One reason for this may be the dominant role played by psychologists and psychiatrists in defining reality in today's "psychological society." The present article addresses this problem by positing the functional equivalence of these two different approaches to reality, individual adjustment and growth. Six commonalities between psychotherapy and new religions are identified and discussed as the basis for understanding the functional equivalence of different practices in a pluralistic society. It is concluded that rivalry between new religions and psychotherapy can be best understood from a sociological conflict perspective and may be indicative of larger stresses and strains in society.

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Section: Common Functionsmentioning

confidence: 99%