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This chapter reviews the theoretical foundations of the bounded choice theory and suggests its relevance to ongoing research on cults, the true-believer mentality, and to other manifestations of single-mindedness in our society, including our present-day concern with terrorism and fanaticism. The prevailing theories at both end of the spectrum are challenged. Bounded choice is connected to other theories on conformity and cognitive dissonance, yet is different from them. The framework offers a new perspective on the identity shift and resultant behavior of the true believers. The chapter considers individual choice in the context of an authoritarian, transcendent, closed system, and addresses the person who has internalized the group worldview to such a degree that on those occasions when he is in full alignment with the cult mind-set, he no longer experiences a particular activity or pronouncement as wrong or questionable. The boundaries of his perceptions and his choices are tightly drawn and sealed by the interlocking nature of the cultic structure, its social system, and his role in it. In Heaven's Gate, as well as the DWP, the boundaries of knowledge were shut tight and reinforced in three specific ways: through the process of resocialization, through the use of ideology, and through social controls. Thus, in closed, self-sealing groups not only is rationality bounded, as it is in all environments, but further choices are bounded.

The confounding behaviors of some cult members occur as a logical conclusion to lives that have been gradually constrained in an increasingly oppressive social structure. Some cult members make seemingly irrational, harmful, and sometimes fatal decisions. These acts are committed in a context that makes perfect sense to them at the time and are consistent with an ideology or belief system that they trust. This chapter provides an understanding of why cult members do what they do, based on both the promises and the constraints of the cult context. A look of the daily lives and inner workings of various cult groups over the decade is provided. Contrary to popular belief, cults have attracted not the lonely and lost, but rather the idealistic and lofty-minded, the curious and well educated. The model of bounded choice offers a new way of thinking about and analyzing the true believer phenomenon, which explains how normal, intelligent, educated people can give up years of their lives and sometimes their very lives to groups and beliefs. This intertwined reality is conveyed using the instances of Heaven's Gate and the Democratic Workers Party.

This chapter provides a socio-historical narrative of the life course of the cult group Heaven's Gate, highlighting people and events to underscore the bounded choice perspective. A careful examination of the cult is provided—how and when it was formed, the crucial aspects of the belief system that held it together, and the energies of the charismatic leaders who guided the way. Marshall Herff Applewhite and Bonnie Lu Nettles espoused an eclectic philosophy that drew on ideas gleaned from a variety of belief systems, one major feature of which was eco-fatalistic apocalypticism, foreseeing the destruction of planet earth by humans. The dimensions of the bounded choice framework are seen as dualistic, engendering both positive and negative sentiments and consequences. For those who made the commitment and began their selfless devotion, the process that led ultimately to bounded choice had already begun. This approach worked because the members trusted their leaders completely in the belief that they were genuine and sincere in motivation. Even at the initial stage of the group's development, the self-sealing system of the cultic organization was beginning to form. This dualism is central to the binding nature of these powerful structural dimensions of the cultic social system. A look at how the structural and ideological dimensions developed during this stage of the group's formation is provided.

This chapter highlights an incident that represents a major turning point in the life of the cult group Heaven's Gate. Nettles fell ill sometime in the early 1980s, a fact that was kept from most members, and died in 1985, most likely from liver cancer. After her death the changes did not appear to cause any major concerns within the core group or crises of faith among the general membership. The trauma of Nettles' death altered and threatened the group's existence but ultimately was overcome, as Applewhite proved his ability to assert his charismatic authority and reaffirm the transcendent belief system. The followers continued to remain under his control and influence. Therefore, the self-sealing system was preserved and bounded choice prevailed. Finally, in killing themselves, the group believed that they were making a logical and even ecstatic choice, given the history and context of the group to that point. This bounded choice was dictated by the same four principles seen at each stage of the cult's evolution.

This chapter describes the founding and development of the DWP, using interview data, documents, and personal experiences. The DWP was formed in 1974 by Marlene Dixon and defined itself as a Marxist-Leninist, democratic-centralist, and proletarian-feminist organization. The concept of proletarian feminism became less prominent in Party literature and approaches through the years, and, over time, concepts and issues tied specifically to the working class and then to world socialism were increasingly stressed. From the start, Dixon insisted on setting up various units, instilling discipline and an ambience of secrecy. Before long, the group's founders realized that they were part of an underground organization. Having experienced frustration with the New Left—its looseness, macho attitudes, and lack of seriousness—and feeling a compulsion to do something with their political convictions, the women were eager for organizational stability. They prided themselves on being the founders and leaders of a new kind of Marxist group, one that would help bring about revolution in America, in the tradition of other great revolutionary movements. The model of bounded choice and parameters of charismatic authority are evaluated in this context. Even at this early stage of the group's development, the self-sealing system of cultic organization was beginning to form, and the process that ultimately led to bounded choice was initiated.