Alexandra Stein

Alexandra Stein will discuss cults and brainwashing, focusing on the leadership, structure, ideologies and processes involved. These attributes are common to a variety of dangerous relationships, from one-on-one cults to extremist political groups. There is an urgent need to teach young people about these phenomena at all levels of education. This talk will include suggestions about creating a culture of awareness in order to prevent recruitment to these systems and to increase accountability of the abuses that occur within them.

Alexandra Stein is a writer and lecturer specialising in the social psychology of cults, totalitarianism and other dangerous social relationships, and their opposites: “small d” democracy, inclusivity and healthy social networks. She is an associate lecturer at Birkbeck, University of London, and the Mary Ward Centre. She consults in the areas of prevention of recruitment to extremism, and recovery from cults and extremist groups.

Alexandra is a former member of a political cult and has described that experience in her book, Inside Out: A Memoir of Entering and Breaking Out of a Minneapolis Political Cult (2002, North Star Press).

Doors 10.30. Entry £3, £2 concs./free to Conway Hall Ethical Society members.

Tea, coffee & biscuits will be available.

Alexandra Stein’s website.