Professor Eileen Barker

In the 1970s and ’80s, the media were full of stories about weird and dangerous cults. These cults were brainwashing and exploiting young people; many of whom gave up their careers to devote themselves to a manipulative leader, who in turn ordered them to kill themselves and/or others. Today, the media rarely feature such reports. The talk will compare the so-called ‘cult scene’ that Professor Barker has been observing since the 1970s with the contemporary scene, and address the question: “Where have all the cults gone?”

Eileen Barker, PhD, PhD h.c., FAcSS, FBA, OBE is Emeritus Professor of Sociology with Special Reference to the Study of Religion at the LSE. Her main research interest is ‘cults’, ‘sects’ and new religious movements, and the social reactions to which they give rise. She has over 350 publications translated into 27 different languages, including 10 sole- authored and edited books, which include the award-winning The Making of a Moonie: Brainwashing or Choice? and New Religious Movements: A Practical Introduction.

This event is co-hosted by The London School of Economics (LSE) Alumni Association – Australia.