The Wrong Way Home: Analyzing Cult Behavior in American Society
Cult dynamics often operate in the shadows of social norms, making it difficult for the general public to recognize the patterns of manipulation and control. In his seminal work, The Wrong Way Home: Uncovering the Patterns of Cult Behavior in American Society, Arthur J. Deikman, M.D., provides a psychiatric lens into the mechanisms of cult culture within the United States.
Dr. Deikman, a former professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco, and a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Humanistic Psychology, utilized his medical expertise to dissect how these groups function. His work serves as a critical resource for understanding the psychological frameworks that allow cults to thrive.
Key Facts
- Author: Arthur J. Deikman, M.D.
- Primary Focus: Patterns of cult behavior and culture in the United States.
- Academic Use: Part of the "Cults and New Religious Movements" curriculum at St. Francis Xavier University.
- Evolution: Later revised and republished in 2003 as Them and Us: Cult Thinking and the Terrorist Threat.
- Core Thesis: Cult behavior extends beyond religious groups to include certain political and terrorist organizations.
Academic Impact and Influence
The book has established itself as a credible reference in the field of mental health and sociology. It is a cited reference in the Encyclopedia of Psychology, highlighting its importance in the academic study of behavioral patterns.
One of the most significant contributions of Deikman's work is the expansion of the definition of a "cult." While many associate the term exclusively with fringe religious sects, Deikman asserts that certain types of political groups and terrorist organizations also exhibit cult-like behaviors, defying the common, narrow definition of the term.
Publication History and Legacy
Originally published in hardcover in December 1990 by Beacon Press, the book reached a wider audience through its September 1994 paperback edition. Deikman's exploration of these themes continued beyond this volume, following his earlier work, The Observing Self.
In 2003, Deikman updated his findings to address the evolving global landscape. This revised version, titled Them and Us: Cult Thinking and the Terrorist Threat, was published by Bay Tree Publications of Berkeley and featured an introduction by the renowned author Doris Lessing.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Author | Arthur J. Deikman, M.D. |
| Publisher | Beacon Press |
| Paperback Release | September 1994 |
| Page Count | 208 |
| ISBN | 978-0-8070-2915-2 |
| OCLC | 31483796 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote The Wrong Way Home?
The book was written by Arthur J. Deikman, M.D., who was a professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco.
What is the main subject of the book?
The book examines the patterns of cult behavior and the nature of cult culture specifically within American society.
Does the author believe cults are only religious?
No. Deikman argues that the definition of a cult extends to include certain political groups and terrorist organizations.
Was this book updated or renamed?
Yes, in 2003, it was revised and republished as Them and Us: Cult Thinking and the Terrorist Threat through Bay Tree Publications of Berkeley.
Where is this book used academically?
It is used as part of the curriculum for the "Cults and New Religious Movements" course at St. Francis Xavier University.