Conversion is typically defined in terms of a radical personal transformation and  distinguished from reversible change (alternation), such as commonplace role or membership change


Value Added Model  (John Lofland)

In the Value Added Model, conversion is precipitated by tension and individual problem solving and involves a change in social network loyalties. There are three predisposing conditions and four situational contingencies that together result in a completed conversion.

1. Predisposing conditions  – conditions that usually are present if an individual is attracted to a specific religious group

Tension  – a dissatisfaction with one’s current life

Religious problem solving perspective  – identifying one’s problems as having a religious significance and potential solution

Religious seekership  – a dissatisfaction with one’s own or conventional religious groups and a perceived cultural connection between one’s worldview and that of the new group that one encounters

2. Situational contingencies – conditions that influence the interaction between members of a group and potential recruit

Turning point in life  – current “lines of action” had failed to produce satisfaction or success

Close cult affective bonds  – affective bonds usually precede cognitive bonds to the group. Pre-existing friendship networks are an important source of affective bonds.

Weakening of extracult affective bonds  – weak bonds with other groups facilitate building and strengthening ties to a new group and diminish the probability of conflict with other groups having claims to the individual’s loyalty

Intensive interaction  – intensification of interaction with other group members solidifies commitment beyond verbal commitment

The above seven conditions can be conceived as a funnel. Individuals must experience all of the conditions to be a likely convert, although they do not have to be experienced in the above order.

Symbolic Universe Model  (David Snow)

In the Symbolic Universe Model conversion involves a process of symbolic reconstruction of an individual’s personal identity

1. Biographical reconstruction  –  jettisoning of the past identity and reorganization of identity around the new group’s symbolic system

2. Adoption of a master attributional scheme  – adoption of a single causal schema that informs  all causal explanations about self, others, and events in the world

3. Suspension of analogical (metaphorical) reasoning in favor of iconic (literal representation) reasoning to establish the unique truth of the group world view

4. Embracement of the convert identity  – seeing one’s identity and all of one’s activities in terms of the convert role so that the convert acts not in terms of his/her self-interest but as a proponent of the group’s mission in all situations

Mechanisms of Commitment (Rosabeth Kanter)

The Mechanisms of Commitment Model identifies organizational means through which communal groups heighten and sustain individual member commitment

Commitment is generated is generated on three dimensions  – instrumental, affective, and moral. The mechanisms for generating commitment on each dimension involve limiting  individual control and expanding collective control

Instrumental Commitment

Sacrifice Mechanism  – suppression of individual need fulfillment and experience of personal deprivation
   
Investment Mechanism  – financial and physical commitment to the community

Affective Commitment

Renunciation Mechanism – social and symbolic separation from outside groups and relationships as well as competing influences within the group

Communion Mechanism  – integration between member and group through processes of sharing sociocultural backgrounds, daily rounds of activity, ritualized activities, property in common.

Moral Commitment

Mortification Mechanism  – Limitation on individuality through monitoring individual motivation and activity, emphasis on group rather than individual values, common modes of  individual demeanor, and group sanctions

Transcendence Mechanism  – Expansion of group power through elevation of members’ status, elevation of group leaders’ status, group tradition, group control over daily routine, symbolic pledges of loyalty to the group and group leadership

Conversion is a process whereby an individual changes the source of authorization for his/her behavior and identity and the religious

group certifies that the change is legitimate. The process entails varying degrees of initiative and control by the group and individual,

linking individual and group identity, and internalizing appropriate role behavior and symbolic behavior.