Cultic Studies Journal, Vol. 18, 2001, Page 21
such as, ―List one or more aspects of your group that you would like to make better,‖
the answers would be very diverse if given by somebody who was strongly
conditioned (and unable to exercise his critical faculties) or by somebody who, even
though affiliated with a group, remains free to formulate a critical judgment on it.
Naturally, the problem with such a test would be to make sure that the diversity of
responses is not due to factors other than the influence of the type of group to which
the person belongs (e.g., idiosyncratic personality factors). However, using an
appropriate sample and examining a large enough number of persons could
overcome this problem. This type of research should be able to find finally what are,
if there are, criteria for distinguishing between dangerous and innocuous cults. In
this regard, I believe that one of these criteria might be whether the potentially
controversial group refuses to undergo scientific study. Naturally, we can all
understand the initial hesitation of a group when confronted with a request for
information and cooperation. Nobody likes to be investigated, but I believe that if
researchers conduct themselves respectfully the initial reluctance of the group will
change, otherwise one might begin to think that the group is interested in hiding
something. Participant observation will always be a valid means of investigation, but
the results will always be considered with suspicion because it is now clear that some
groups will only show to scholars those events that put the group in a good light.
Another possible area of research is to examine the well being of people after leaving
a cult. In this case one should examine members who have left a particular group,
choosing a wide field of subjects, among which should be those who believe
themselves to have been damaged and those who have obtained a benefit from
affiliation. All subjects should be given the same personality tests, the items of which
should aim to measure how the subject views his past experience currently, whether
the past experience influences the current experience, and the way in which this
influence happens.
The Necessity to Overcome Difficulties. I believe that conducting such research
involves many difficulties22, including the following:
Scholars do not agree on the hypotheses to test and the methods of investigation.
The responses of members who subject themselves to scientific study may be
conditioned, at least in some measure, by pressures exerted by the group leader.
Some groups will refuse to be studied.
It is difficult to obtain public financing that would ensure the objectivity of the
research.
Personal interests of the researchers may influence the scientific research.
Researchers will encounter these and many other difficulties. I believe, however, that all
researchers of good faith will be able to overcome the difficulties. In the current phase, in
which it seems that dialogue is taking the place of monologue, I consider it very important
that all be aware of the true significance of the word ―dialogue.‖ The term does not mean
only letting those with diverse views speak. This is not enough. It is necessary, instead, to
discuss what others say according to its merits and to enter into the depths of the question,
modifying one's own position when one sees clearly that there is an objective basis for
doing so. Critics and sympathizers of cults must be willing to modify, even if only in part,
their own opinions.
Notes
1. Contact Raffaella Di Marzio for further information and help at the URL: www.grisroma.it and
www.dimarzio.it/srs. Email: rdm@dimarzio.it.
such as, ―List one or more aspects of your group that you would like to make better,‖
the answers would be very diverse if given by somebody who was strongly
conditioned (and unable to exercise his critical faculties) or by somebody who, even
though affiliated with a group, remains free to formulate a critical judgment on it.
Naturally, the problem with such a test would be to make sure that the diversity of
responses is not due to factors other than the influence of the type of group to which
the person belongs (e.g., idiosyncratic personality factors). However, using an
appropriate sample and examining a large enough number of persons could
overcome this problem. This type of research should be able to find finally what are,
if there are, criteria for distinguishing between dangerous and innocuous cults. In
this regard, I believe that one of these criteria might be whether the potentially
controversial group refuses to undergo scientific study. Naturally, we can all
understand the initial hesitation of a group when confronted with a request for
information and cooperation. Nobody likes to be investigated, but I believe that if
researchers conduct themselves respectfully the initial reluctance of the group will
change, otherwise one might begin to think that the group is interested in hiding
something. Participant observation will always be a valid means of investigation, but
the results will always be considered with suspicion because it is now clear that some
groups will only show to scholars those events that put the group in a good light.
Another possible area of research is to examine the well being of people after leaving
a cult. In this case one should examine members who have left a particular group,
choosing a wide field of subjects, among which should be those who believe
themselves to have been damaged and those who have obtained a benefit from
affiliation. All subjects should be given the same personality tests, the items of which
should aim to measure how the subject views his past experience currently, whether
the past experience influences the current experience, and the way in which this
influence happens.
The Necessity to Overcome Difficulties. I believe that conducting such research
involves many difficulties22, including the following:
Scholars do not agree on the hypotheses to test and the methods of investigation.
The responses of members who subject themselves to scientific study may be
conditioned, at least in some measure, by pressures exerted by the group leader.
Some groups will refuse to be studied.
It is difficult to obtain public financing that would ensure the objectivity of the
research.
Personal interests of the researchers may influence the scientific research.
Researchers will encounter these and many other difficulties. I believe, however, that all
researchers of good faith will be able to overcome the difficulties. In the current phase, in
which it seems that dialogue is taking the place of monologue, I consider it very important
that all be aware of the true significance of the word ―dialogue.‖ The term does not mean
only letting those with diverse views speak. This is not enough. It is necessary, instead, to
discuss what others say according to its merits and to enter into the depths of the question,
modifying one's own position when one sees clearly that there is an objective basis for
doing so. Critics and sympathizers of cults must be willing to modify, even if only in part,
their own opinions.
Notes
1. Contact Raffaella Di Marzio for further information and help at the URL: www.grisroma.it and
www.dimarzio.it/srs. Email: rdm@dimarzio.it.
