Citation

Sociol. Relig. 1979; 40(4): 315-323.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1979, Association for the Sociology of Religion)

DOI

10.2307/3709960

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, a theoretical model of charismatic leadership is developed which focuses primarily on strategies the leader adopts to strengthen his leadership position and to overcome its inherent precariousness. Some of these strategies center on internal relations within the group, and some deal with the group's relations with the environment. Paradoxically, however, these strategies, even if successful, have unintended consequences which may undermine the leader's charismatic power and authority. The second goal is to apply this theoretical model in an ex post facto interpretation of the evolution of the People's Temple, under Rev. Jones' influence, and its culmination in the mass suicides in Guyana. The theoretical model in this paper provides an alternative to the popular interpretation of the mass suicides in Guyana, and of sects and cults generally, as reflecting psychopathological problems and deficiencies in the social environment.