The Wrong Way Home: Uncovering the Patterns of Cult Behavior in American Society

by Arthur J. Deikman

Argues that cult behavior results from longings for security, explains how cults recruit and control new members, and discusses some actual case histories

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Sociology, Cult Classics, Politics, Cultural, American

192 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1990

Reviews

[Ill D · Rating 4 out of 5]

The recently embattled Sargon of Akkad reviewed this not so long ago so I felt it apropos to dig into it as well.

While many scholars have dealt with the subjects of cults on a historical (Robin Lane Fox is great!) and sociological level, clinical psychologist Arthur Deikman takes a far more holistic perspective on this perennial social phenomena. Not content to merely prattle off big words nor dig into the complexity of bygone eras, Deikman places the ideas of cultism firmly within a modern and thus highly relevant context. Contextualized not within the dry confines of ivory tower circumscribed academia but exposited in the very world we exist, his thesis is as thrilling as it is very well believable: Cult behavior and their essential structures are to be found everywhere in society.

Starting with a highly emotional example concerning an embattled couple trapped within the dankly manipulative confines a local cult, these gossamer threads of human thought and unconscious organization are sinewed together with multiple examples that will definitely surprise you. Within and without the confines of the sacred, the world of the profane whether it be vast corporations, politically motivated protest groups, or as Deikman acutely notices with a strong sense of self-awareness acutely critiques his own profession of psychology and the not-so-objective behaviors within - the very rules that drive the dynamics of cults are basically omnipresent within all aspects of human society.

While I found his thesis compelling and well argued I wish it had been organized a little differently. Slip-shodding this way and that, dated examples concerning the anti-nuclear movement (for example) the chapters can hop-scotch along with the authors protocols embodied as he saw fit. If it was tied into a firmer structure it could have been a much more cogent and stronger case.

But overall there's some real interesting stuff in this relatively short read.

Definitely recommended.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book hit home for me. My personal experience with a white-collar cult and my tendency to follow strong leaders makes more sense to me personally now. Deikman makes some of the same arguments that Noam Chomksy has made about the groupthink and the bias of U.S. media.

Deikman's writing is clear and approachable. He relates some of his personal experiences to support his arguments, which contributes to the ease of reading, but does underline that this is not a science-based book.

I recommend it.

[Tyler Stanley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great read! Makes the reader truly consider where he has let himself get indoctrinated

[#DÏ4B7Ø Chinnamasta-Bhairav]

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[Josephine Ensign · Rating 4 out of 5]

Timely, yes, but I mainly read this book as part of my research for a recently-completed essay on science and religion. I especially appreciated Deikman's illustrations of not only classic, high-profile cult behavior, but also low-level yet destructive cult behavior within many of our institutions—including universities. A quote: "The study of cult psychology and its manifestations in ordinary life provides a framework with which to understand why wooden-headedness exists, what the behavior of a competent leader is, and how we can educate both leaders and electorate to do more than muddle on. The necessary information is available. If we allow ourselves the awareness of our wish for shepherds, our longing for the back of the car, then we have a much better chance of avoiding folly." p. 155

[Joey Sigmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly informative. Chapters 5 and 6 give a good criticism of the current SJW phenomenon

[Martha Kahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent