gendersekte.nl
gendersekte.nl is a Dutch-language site that examines cult-like dynamics within the gender movement. The site describes this as a social-psychological analysis focused on doctrine, rhetoric and institutional structures. It is published by Stichting Genderinfo i.o., the same network to which genderinfo.nl belongs.
The main article on this subject is Gendersekte.nl.
The site draws a boundary around its own claim: the analysis concerns organisations and ideas, not individual transgender people, nor all medical gender care. Nevertheless, the name is deliberately provocative and the perspective is controversial.
What you will find
The Frameworks section sets out the academic models underpinning the analysis, including those of Lifton, Hassan, Singer and Langone. Criteria outlines the mechanisms of doctrinal control identified by the site. There are also case studies, articles, profiles of people and organisations involved, comparisons with other groups, a glossary, a bibliography and an FAQ.
The models used
The analysis draws on four models from cult research. In 1961, Lifton described eight characteristics of totalitarian environments. In 1988, Hassan introduced the BITE model, which distinguishes between control of behaviour, information, thought and emotion. Singer formulated six conditions for systematic influence in 1995, and Langone published a list of fifteen group characteristics in 1993. The models were developed for the study of cults. Applying them to a broad social movement is the site's own step.
Scope and examples
According to the homepage, the site identifies sixteen doctrinal mechanisms, 22 analysed case studies, fifteen profiles of organisations and critics, and eight comparative analyses. The articles cover specific incidents, such as the protest in Oxford involving Michael Foran, a review by SEGM of an evaluation from the US state of Utah, and a suspension case. The site emphasises that it is not claiming that transgender people are in a cult or that all medical gender care is wrong. Whether the distinction between criticism of organisations and statements about individuals is maintained throughout the articles is something readers can assess on a case-by-case basis. A related site within the same network is gendergekte.nl, which keeps track of incidents. Background information can be found on this site under society and science and debate.
Why it is included in this archive
The site represents a distinct strand within the critical perspectives on the gender debate. For a neutral explanation of the terms used, see the glossary page.