EQUITY OR EXPLOITATION: THE CASE OF THE UNIFICATION CHURCH.

The present study investigated some of the allegations of exploitation associated with new religious affiliation. A sample of members of one controversial, communal new religion (Unification Church or "Moonies") were compared with a sample of members of two established, non-communal religions (Catholics and Presbyterians) on measures of fair exchange and present career goals. Presbyterians reported a lesser sense affair exchange between themselves and their church than Catholics and Unificationists. All three religious groups generally emphasized conventkrnal career goals, although Unificationists were more likely to emphasize self-growth goals alone. These findings were discussed in relation to perceived equity, alternative opportunity structures, and work norms in some new religions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]