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Really not god: Secularization and pragmatism in Gamblers Anonymous
1Department of Sociology, Queens College/CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Boulevard, 11367, Flushing, N.Y..
Journal of Gambling Studies
|November 16, 2013
Summary
Gamblers Anonymous (GA) has increasingly secularized its recovery program, moving away from its spiritual origins. This shift is evident in key historical documents, prompting questions about its development path.
Area of Science:
- Sociology of Religion
- Addiction Studies
- Organizational Studies
Background:
- Gamblers Anonymous (GA) presents itself as a spiritual twelve-step organization.
- Historical analysis suggests a divergence between GA's public image and its operational evolution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the historical trajectory of Gamblers Anonymous in the United States.
- To examine the extent of secularization within the GA program.
- To explore the reasons behind this secularized development.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of key historical documents and literature pertaining to Gamblers Anonymous.
- Comparative study of stated principles versus practical application over time.
Main Results:
- Evidence indicates a significant trend towards secularization and pragmatism in the Gamblers Anonymous program.
- This secularization occurred despite the spiritual foundation laid by its founding members.
Conclusions:
- The history of Gamblers Anonymous in the US is characterized by increasing secularization.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the implications and causes of this secularized path.
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