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The Sociology of Conversion Author(s): David A. Snow and Richard Machalek Reviewed work(s): Source: Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 10 (1984), pp. 167-190 Published by: Annual Reviews Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/2083172 . Accessed: 10/05/2012 05:24

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Ann. Rev. Sociol. 1984. 10:167-90 Copyright ? 1984 by Annual Reviews Inc. All rights reserved

THE SOCIOLOGYOF CONVERSION

David A. Snow

Departmentof Sociology, University of Texas, Austin, Texas 78712

Richard Machalek

Departmentof Sociology, Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas 78284

Abstract

This essay reviews recentresearchon religiousconversion, particularly within the context of "new" religious movements. It addresses three fundamental issues pertinentto the study of conversion: first, the conceptualizationand natureof conversion; second, the analytic status of converts' accounts; and third,the causes of conversion. The chapterconcludes with a proposedagenda for subsequentresearchon conversion and related topics.

INTRODUCTION

During the past decade and a half much of the West has witnessed a proliferation of new religious movements and mass therapies(Glock & Bellah 1976; Wuthnow 1976; Robbins & Anthony 1979, 1981; Tipton 1982; Barker 1983; Richardson1983). One of the more pronouncedconcomitantsof this apparent spiritualawakeninghas been a burstof...