The purpose of this thesis is to develop a new perspective for the
classification of sectarian forms of organisation and the study of
their dynamics . It is not intended as a definitive study of any
particular group s or of the British far-left as a whole .
Existing typologies of sectarianism in the sociology of religion
are subjected to a critique on two grounds:
1) They often have a theological characters based on the content
of the belief systems of sects rather than on the social
structure .
2) Their roots lie in an 'essentialist' tradition of static hierarchical
classifications of dynamic phenomena .
One of the reasons for studying political groups in this context is that
they have not been subjected to these classificatory assumptions, and
can be approached more objectively in the development of new perspectives .
The argument proceeds to the exposition of grid and group, both
as a 'polythetic' system of classification and as one based on a matrix
rather than a hierarchy . This provides us with a potentially dynamic
classificatory approach .
In order to test and advance the model two themes are selected for
special attention in terms of grid and groups from an historical review
of the far-left since the second world war. These are the schismatic
character of the groups and their tendency toward . utopianism which are
examined in selected groups over the decade that followed their
watershed of 1968 .
Utopianism is discussed in the framework of the relationship posited
by grid and group , between spatial and temporal aspects of the cosmology
and the social structure . It is argued that this approach is more
informative than traditional general notions of relative deprivation .
Splits and alliances are examined in terms of the organisational dynamics
and mode of exercise of power in sectarian forms; and conclusions are
drawn about the patterns of relative stability which emerge as groups
are distributed across the grid/group matrix .
Finally the distribution of power within the selected groups is
compared with the perceptions o f the members o f how power is exercised
