Growing an ideology : how the Mormons do it
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Authors
Chalverus, Marshall F.
Thomas, Michael A.
Subjects
ideology
ideological
philosophy
belief
choice
behavior
doctrine
religion
religious
religiosity
church
Mormon
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
organizational structure
organization
bureaucratic
community
culture
demographics
relationships
social
socialization
commitment
consumption
growth
expansion
market
economies
plural
resources
secularization
theory
special operations
counterinsurgency
de-radicalization
ideological
philosophy
belief
choice
behavior
doctrine
religion
religious
religiosity
church
Mormon
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
organizational structure
organization
bureaucratic
community
culture
demographics
relationships
social
socialization
commitment
consumption
growth
expansion
market
economies
plural
resources
secularization
theory
special operations
counterinsurgency
de-radicalization
Advisors
Simons, Anna
Date of Issue
2011-12
Date
December 2011
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
A fundamental characteristic of human interaction is the manifestation of ideology, which, as we define it, transcends religious, political, cultural, and national realms. Differing ideologies among groups can create friction, and often incite violence. This study seeks to understand how groups adhering to particular ideologies grow, for understanding ideological promulgation is an imperative step in understanding conflicts arising from conflicting ideological principles. We accomplish this by exploring one of the fastest growing ideologically distinct organizations today, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). In doing so, we propose that the LDS's institutional framework enables not only efficient resource collection, but also frames and promotes a socialization structure that enables ideological growth. This supports empirical evidence which suggests that ideology plays a secondary role in an ideological organization's growth. Implicit in this argument is that to promote an ideology, one should focus on socialization rather than the ideology itself; likewise, effectively countering an ideology requires a focus on social bonds and not necessarily a counter-ideological message.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Defense Analysis (DA)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
x, 63 p. ; 28 cm.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.