Editing New religious movement (section)

==Membership==
===Demographics===
NRMs typically consist largely of first-generation believers,{{sfn|Barker|1989|p=11}} and thus often have a younger average membership than mainstream religious congregations.{{sfn|Barker|1989|pp=11–12}}  Some NRMs have been formed by groups who have split from a pre-existing religious group.{{sfn|Barker|1989|p=13}} As these members grow older, many have children who are then brought up within the NRM.{{sfn|Barker|1989|p=12}}

In the [[Third World]], NRMs most often appeal to the poor and oppressed sectors of society.{{sfn|Barker|1989|p=14}}  Within Western countries, they are more likely to appeal to members of the middle and upper-middle classes,{{sfn|Barker|1989|p=14}} with Barrett stating that new religions in the UK and US largely attract "white, middle-class late teens and twenties".{{sfn|Barrett|2001|p=98}}  There are exceptions, such as the Rastafari movement and the Nation of Islam, which have primarily attracted Black members.{{sfn|Barker|1989|p=14}}

A popular conception, unsupported by evidence, holds that those who convert to new religions are either mentally ill or become so through their involvement with them.{{sfn|Barker|1989|pp=55–56}}  [[Dick Anthony]], a [[forensic psychologist]] noted for his writings on the [[brainwashing]] controversy,<ref>[[Lorne L. Dawson|Dawson, Lorne L.]] ''Cults in context: readings in the study of new religious movements'', Transaction Publishers 1998, p. 340, {{ISBN|978-0-7658-0478-5}}</ref><ref>[[Thomas Robbins (sociologist)|Robbins, Thomas]]. ''In Gods we trust: new patterns of religious pluralism in America'', Transaction Publishers 1996, p. 537, {{ISBN|978-0-88738-800-2}}</ref> has defended NRMs, and in 1988 argued that involvement in such movements may often be beneficial: "There's a large research literature published in mainstream journals on the mental health effects of new religions. For the most part, the effects seem to be positive in any way that's measurable."<ref name="Sipchen">Sipchen, Bob (1988-11-17). [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-11-17-vw-257-story.html "Ten Years After Jonestown, the Battle Intensifies Over the Influence of 'Alternative' Religions"], ''[[Los Angeles Times]]''</ref>

===Joining===

Those who convert to a NRM typically believe that in doing so they are gaining some benefit in their life. This can come in many forms, from an increasing sense of freedom to a release from drug dependency, and a feeling of self-respect and direction. Many of those who have left NRMs report that they have gained from their experience. There are various reasons as to why an individual would join and then remain part of a NRM, including both push and pull factors.{{sfn|Barker|1989|pp=25–26}}  According to [[Marc Galanter (psychiatrist)|Marc Galanter]], professor of psychiatry at NYU,<ref>Galanter, Marc (Editor), (1989), ''Cults and new religious movements: a report of the committee on psychiatry and religion of the [[American Psychiatric Association]]'', {{ISBN|0-89042-212-5}}</ref> typical reasons why people join NRMs include a search for community and a spiritual quest. Sociologists [[Rodney Stark|Stark]] and [[William Sims Bainbridge|Bainbridge]], in discussing the process by which people join new religious groups, have questioned the utility of the concept of ''conversion'', suggesting that ''affiliation'' is a more useful concept.<ref>Bader, Chris & A. Demarish (1996). "A test of the Stark-Bainbridge theory of affiliation with religious cults and sects." ''Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion'', 35, 285–303.</ref>

A popular explanation for why people join new religious movements is that they have been "brainwashed" or subject to "mind control" by the NRM itself.{{sfn|Barker|1989|p=17}} This explanation provides a rationale for "deprogramming", a process in which members of NRMs are illegally kidnapped by individuals who then attempt to convince them to reject their beliefs.{{sfn|Barker|1989|p=17}} Professional deprogrammers, therefore, have a financial interest in promoting the "brainwashing" explanation.{{sfn|Barker|1989|p=19}} Academic research, however, has demonstrated that these brainwashing techniques "simply do not exist".{{sfn|Hammer|Rothstein|2012|p=3}}

===Leaving===
Many members of NRMs leave these groups of their own free will.{{sfn|Barker|1989|pp=18–19}} Some of those who do so retain friends within the movement.{{sfn|Barrett|2001|p=47}}  Some of those who leave a religious community are unhappy with the time that they spent as part of it.{{sfn|Barrett|2001|p=47}}  Leaving a NRM can pose a number of difficulties.{{sfn|Barrett|2001|p=54}} It may result in their having to abandon a daily framework that they had previously adhered to.{{sfn|Barrett|2001|p=55}} It may also generate mixed emotions as ex-members lose the feelings of absolute certainty, which they may have held while in the group.{{sfn|Barrett|2001|p=54}}